A field of fall colors, viewed during a trail walk in central Anchorage last September.
Q: It is getting cooler outside. What should I be doing as winter approaches?
A: As temperatures drop and the yellow leaves signal the arrival of autumn, it is time to start prepping for winter by tackling basic household chores. If unable to do these tasks alone, consider contacting neighbors or volunteers for assistance. Though it may only be September, some mountain ranges are already receiving early snowfall. By preparing now, you can alleviate stress when the snow eventually arrives.
Tackle fall chores
Have winter essentials such as warm clothing, boots, grippers/cleats, hats, gloves, and scarves ready for use.
Prep for cold weather by checking for drafts, insulating windows and doors, and ensuring your heating system and oil, wood, or electric stoves function safely.
Get the vehicle serviced and equipped with an emergency kit, blankets, a snow shovel, and other essentials.
Stock up on non-perishable food, water and emergency supplies. (See Christian Hartley's column on page 14.)
Have a plan in place for any potential unplanned emergencies.
Consider investing in a generator or alternative heating source in case of a power outage.
Clean gutters, chimneys and rooftops, trim trees and clear debris from the yard or driveway.
If you live in a group home or large community facility, ask what emergency preparedness measures are in place, and learn where to gather or shelter during a crisis.
Stay active and maintain a healthy lifestyle to boost your immune system and stock up on cold/flu supplies for the upcoming months.
Pick your own vegetables and fruits
Some locations around the state for U-pick produce:
Soldotna Jackson Gardens, 48195 Johns Road. Open April through October, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, closed on Sundays. Available produce, greenhouse fruits and vegetables, berry bushes. http://www.jacksongardensalaska.com
Delta Junction Bormans Farm, 3123 Tanana Loop Extension. Open July through October. 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Available produce including potatoes, broccoli, carrots, beans, peas, zucchinis, starwberries and much more. http://www.facebook.com/bormansfarm
Palmer Pyrah's Pioneer Peak Farm, 4350 Bodenburg Loop Road, May through October. Check website for hours and produce availability. http://www.pppfarm.net
Wasilla Sundog Orchard, 2000 N. Douglas Drive. Call ahead to make an appointment, 907-357-6510, Alaska Haskap and honey berries.
Store winter foods
Here are some guidelines for storing different foods.
Root vegetables: Potatoes, carrots, beets, turnips, and onions can be stored in a cool, dry place for several months. Potatoes, specifically, should not be refrigerated. It increases the amount of sugar they contain, which can lead to higher levels of a chemical called acrylamide. For more info on acrylamide, visit https://tinyurl.com/3jyktuc5.
Apples: Granny Smith, Fuji and Honeycrisp can be stored in a cool, dark place for several months. You should wash apples only before you're about to eat them. Washing apples ahead of time will dramatically reduce their shelf life.
Citrus fruits: Store oranges, lemons and grapefruit in the fridge for several weeks. You can freeze oranges and lemons for up to a year. Whole grapefruit can last two to three weeks in the fridge.
Cabbage: If bruising is prevented, store in a cool, dark place for three weeks up to two months. Damage to cabbage degrades its vitamin C content.
Winter greens: Kale, collard greens and Swiss chard can be stored in the refrigerator until the leaves turn brown or look wilted.
Fall sightseeing
Be sure to find time for enjoyment as the season transitions, both indoors and outside.
Aurora Borealis: with shortened daylight, the Northern Lights are visible more frequently.
Hiking: fewer people on trails make traversing easier.
Glacier day tours: Prince William Sound and Kenai Fjords National Park are less crowded.
Fishing: fish for rainbow trout, Dolly Varden, arctic grayling, steelhead trout, silver salmon (coho).
Alaska Railroad: ride to Fairbanks viewing scenic autumn colors, or a day trip to Hurricane, one of the last whistle-stop trains in America
The Anchorage Museum: visit fall exhibits "How to Survive," "Northern Boarders," "Lines of Sight: Comic Art and Storytelling in Alaska," and "Arctic Sculpture: Ivory Carvings."
The crimson, copper and gold colors reflect the signs of autumn. Blueberries and cranberries dot the landscapes, and the air is crisper. Foliage changes and the tops of fireweed let us know winter will soon be upon us, but take time to enjoy fall day trips or lakeside treks and appreciate Alaska's undeniable beauty.
Karen Casanovas, PCC, CPCC, CLIPP is a health and wellness professional coach practicing in Anchorage. If you have questions write to her at info@karencasanovas.com.
