Your Winter Readiness Guide from the KCU Team
Whether you’re bracing for icy roads or higher heating bills, a little preparation can make a big difference this winter. To help you make the most of the season, we asked Kitsap Credit Union employees from across the organization to share their best tips for winter preparation.
From keeping your home and car ready for the cold to managing your budget through the holidays, our team members offered practical advice to help you feel confident and prepared—no matter what the weather (or your wallet) brings.
Here’s what they shared:
Winter Care for Your Home
“For those that have wall cadet heaters in your apartment or home, before you utilize these heaters this winter be sure to give it a good cleaning to prevent overheating, fires, and improve the efficiency of the heater. To be safe while cleaning, please make sure you turn off the power for that room at the breaker before you start vacuuming. This is the one of the first things my husband and I do as the weather starts cooling down.” – Laurel Look, Support Services Specialist
“When it starts to cool down, make sure to unhook your outdoor hose and cover all outdoor faucets with thermal covers to reduce the odds of freezing pipes.” – Michelle Campbell, Internal Auditor
“If you have a furnace, get an annual checkup before winter hits to help to prevent dangerous issues like carbon monoxide leaks, improve efficiency, and hopefully identify minor problems before they become expensive.” – Tom Shannon, Senior Web Designer
“This is a small thing but makes a big difference — go around to all your windows and lock them. The clamping action from the lock will help close any micro-gaps from having them closed without the latch!” – Amber Gravett, Director of Centralized Funding Operations
“Batteries, batteries, batteries! Make sure your flashlights work and you have backup batteries, so you are prepared for any power outages or emergencies.” – Katie Zellmer, Support Services Specialist
Winter Care for Your Car
“Check the tread on your tires. Don't wait till they are legally worn out (2/32 of tread). Tires that are still barely legal won't handle well in cold, heavy rain, or snow. Be safe, a fresh set of tires is one of most effective safety actions you can take before the bad weather hits.” – Jack Geiger, Senior Market Research Specialist
“If you buy snow tires at Costco, they will do seasonal tire rotations for $50 (putting snow tires on or removing them). For about $100 you can buy a small battery that will jump your car. Even if you are stranded and alone, you will be able to jump start your car.” – Jonathan Pape, Director of Digital Marketing
Financial Wellness this Winter
“Starting the gift planning early is important to me! Not only does it help you budget but it especially lets you add an element of handmade gifts, which I prefer not only to cut costs but to create something meaningful for the people I love. I'm glad that I can link all my accounts on the KCU Mobile App where I can always see an overview of my finances. It helps me plan for the holidays! Also, cuddling with your pets is always a great way to stay warm in the winter!” – Anne Fabe, Title Specialist
“Think about holiday shopping— for 2026! This may seem somewhat backwards, but the most stressful parts of the holiday season for some are gift ideas and saving for gifts. As you prepare for this holiday season, also think about what you could do for next year that may require money or time. That way, you can set aside time during the year to gather materials for handmade gifts, polish your ideas, and save money. Kitsap Credit Union has a Holiday Savings Account that sets aside money throughout the year on your behalf for just this purpose, and you get a neat gift in December as a celebration of your preparedness!” – David Inglish, Outreach Coordinator
Looking for more tips or help with your budget this winter? Our team is here to for you. Feel free to give us a call or stop by one of our branches today.
Insured by NCUA
From keeping your home and car ready for the cold to managing your budget through the holidays, our team members offered practical advice to help you feel confident and prepared—no matter what the weather (or your wallet) brings.
Here’s what they shared:
Winter Care for Your Home
“For those that have wall cadet heaters in your apartment or home, before you utilize these heaters this winter be sure to give it a good cleaning to prevent overheating, fires, and improve the efficiency of the heater. To be safe while cleaning, please make sure you turn off the power for that room at the breaker before you start vacuuming. This is the one of the first things my husband and I do as the weather starts cooling down.” – Laurel Look, Support Services Specialist
“When it starts to cool down, make sure to unhook your outdoor hose and cover all outdoor faucets with thermal covers to reduce the odds of freezing pipes.” – Michelle Campbell, Internal Auditor
“If you have a furnace, get an annual checkup before winter hits to help to prevent dangerous issues like carbon monoxide leaks, improve efficiency, and hopefully identify minor problems before they become expensive.” – Tom Shannon, Senior Web Designer
“This is a small thing but makes a big difference — go around to all your windows and lock them. The clamping action from the lock will help close any micro-gaps from having them closed without the latch!” – Amber Gravett, Director of Centralized Funding Operations
“Batteries, batteries, batteries! Make sure your flashlights work and you have backup batteries, so you are prepared for any power outages or emergencies.” – Katie Zellmer, Support Services Specialist
Winter Care for Your Car
“Check the tread on your tires. Don't wait till they are legally worn out (2/32 of tread). Tires that are still barely legal won't handle well in cold, heavy rain, or snow. Be safe, a fresh set of tires is one of most effective safety actions you can take before the bad weather hits.” – Jack Geiger, Senior Market Research Specialist
“If you buy snow tires at Costco, they will do seasonal tire rotations for $50 (putting snow tires on or removing them). For about $100 you can buy a small battery that will jump your car. Even if you are stranded and alone, you will be able to jump start your car.” – Jonathan Pape, Director of Digital Marketing
Financial Wellness this Winter
“Starting the gift planning early is important to me! Not only does it help you budget but it especially lets you add an element of handmade gifts, which I prefer not only to cut costs but to create something meaningful for the people I love. I'm glad that I can link all my accounts on the KCU Mobile App where I can always see an overview of my finances. It helps me plan for the holidays! Also, cuddling with your pets is always a great way to stay warm in the winter!” – Anne Fabe, Title Specialist
“Think about holiday shopping— for 2026! This may seem somewhat backwards, but the most stressful parts of the holiday season for some are gift ideas and saving for gifts. As you prepare for this holiday season, also think about what you could do for next year that may require money or time. That way, you can set aside time during the year to gather materials for handmade gifts, polish your ideas, and save money. Kitsap Credit Union has a Holiday Savings Account that sets aside money throughout the year on your behalf for just this purpose, and you get a neat gift in December as a celebration of your preparedness!” – David Inglish, Outreach Coordinator
Looking for more tips or help with your budget this winter? Our team is here to for you. Feel free to give us a call or stop by one of our branches today.
Insured by NCUA
November 10, 2025