The Weird Actions of Brilliant Thinkers
Winter isn’t easy for anyone, but when you’re older, it can become hazardous. Slip-and-fall injuries, poor heating systems, and power outages can lead to disastrous scenarios if you aren’t thoroughly prepared. Learn how to make your home winter-proof to stay warm and safe this season. CHECK YOUR HEATING SYSTEM Your heating system will be responsible for keeping your entire home warm when temperatures drop, so you must ensure your system is working properly and ready for the season. We recommend having an HVAC technician come to your home to inspect, clean, and repair your heating system. This can ensure you won’t be left without heat at any point this winter. PREPARE FOR POWER OUTAGES Power outages are common during rough winters, so be prepared if the worst were to happen and you’re without power for more than a few hours or even days. Portable How to Winter-Proof Your Home Protect Yourself and Your Home From the Cold Some of history’s greatest thinkers were more than a little eccentric. Let’s look at strange facts about five inventors, scientists, and philosophers who helped shape our world. Inventor Nikola Tesla walked around a building three times before entering it. He apparently became obsessed with the numbers 3, 6, and 9 and would only stay in hotel rooms that had a number divisible by 3. Famed physicist Albert Einstein created a contract for his first wife that outlined her household duties. The contract established that she must provide fresh meals, clean laundry, and “silence on request.” Unsurprisingly, they divorced after 11 years. Scientist Marie Curie carried test tubes full of radioactive isotopes in her pockets almost everywhere she went. She also kept them in desk drawers and open areas around her lab. This practice is believed to have contributed to her death from aplastic anemia in 1934. The ancient Greek mathematician Pythagoras was afraid of fava beans, which wasn’t an uncommon fear during
his time. Myth said that fava beans contained the souls of the dead since they had a flesh-like appearance. Finally, Sir Isaac Newton once inserted a sewing needle into his eye for an experiment to learn about how the eye perceived color and light. Surely, there was a less gruesome way to test his hypothesis!
heaters, propane heaters, extra water, food, and necessities should be on hand in case of an emergency. For many, a generator can be worth the investment to guarantee you
won’t have to worry about power outages. PLAN FOR SNOW AND ICE REMOVAL
The snow and ice around your home, especially on the driveway or doorstep, can be incredibly dangerous. All it takes is one bad fall to cause a severe injury to your hip, back, arm, or head. If you see that harsh weather is on the way, plan ahead, heavily salt your walkways, and ensure you have snow shovels and ice scrapers on hand. You might also consider hiring someone to clear your sidewalks and steps for you. INSULATE DOORS AND WINDOWS Patio doors, side doors, and even windows can let in freezing cold drafts that can significantly drop your indoor temperature. Older homes are especially prone to drafts, so be sure to have your doors and windows properly insulated to avoid letting the winter inside. Sealable plastic coverings and temporary caulk, found at most hardware stores, can help keep your home warm. Insulating your home can also keep your heating bills down as much as possible. Stay safe this winter, and be sure to follow these winter- proofing steps this year!
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