Morton Salt

Be ready for that first storm. Stock your car and garage with appropriate winter supplies, such as shovels, ice scrapers, ice picks, blankets, and etc. Check any older snow blowers, shovels, and ice scrapers for damage, and replace or repair any that are damaged or worn before the first snowfall. Don't forget to keep walkways clear of ice and snow and safe for your family and neighbors by using ice melters! Look for a brand you can trust like Morton, who uses third party or laboratory testing to validate ice melter performance claims. Purchase melters specifically designed to melt in your area's climate and that meet your winter needs. From pet safe to extreme weather and fast-acting products, Morton's line of ice melters is designed to meet your everyday ice melting needs.

The harsh winter weather can be rough on your plants and lawn. Snow, wind, sleet and ice can result in weak tree trunks and broken branches that can damage your house, car, or even worse, someone on your property. When the weather starts to cool, don't forget to trim your trees and get rid of dead branches. Also be sure to clean the gutters on your house to prevent water from building up and freezing. Your flowers need to be covered as well, so they are safe and ready for Spring!

This may seem like a no-brainer, but always be cognizant of the temperature inside the home, keeping it at least 65 degrees Fahrenheit. If it is any colder, you risk the chance of pipes freezing, which can crack and spew gallons of water throughout your home. Don't forget to drain the outdoor hoses as well.

Check all doors and windows for cracks or areas where cold air could seep in, using caulk and weatherstripping to fix and prevent this problem. Make sure all steps, handrails, sidewalks and driveways are in good shape. Broken stairs and cracked cement become even more dangerous when covered with snow and ice. All deicers can accelerate surface damage to concrete, since they increase the number of freeze-thaw cycles. In order to prevent additional cracks from forming in good quality concrete due to the use of deicing agents, use an ice melter such as Morton® Safe-T-Plus® ice melt, which is formulated to result in reduced surface damage to concrete compared to plain salt. This ice melter also contains a blend of active ingredients which can reduce corrosion by 14 percent compared to plain salt.

In the spirit of preparedness, creating a winter emergency kit for both the home and car is an excellent idea. For your home, be sure to have indoor candles, matches and batteries on hand in case of a power shortage. For your car, be sure to have extra blankets, road flares, and a flashlight available in case of a roadside emergency. Write down important phone numbers and tape them inside the kit. You never know how long the power might be out or the emergency might last, so having non-perishable food, water bottles and blankets are essential. A small first aid kit helps with any minor medical emergencies that may arise. Finally, keep a bag of Morton® Safe-T-Salt®in your trunk to weigh down your car in order to provide additional stability when driving on a slippery road – the extra weight may also help provide traction for getting out of snowdrifts.

The salted sidewalks and streets in the winter can be very hard on pets' paws, so help keep your four-legged friends safe by using Morton® Safe-T-Pet®. Developed with veterinarians, Safe-T-Pet™ is a salt and chloride free ice melter that is non-toxic and non- irritating, making it safer for you and your neighbors' pets.