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Winter in Michigan is always snowy and cold, and this year will likely be no exception. Whether you're dealing with frigid temperatures or a blizzard, it's important to know how to stay safe during winter weather. As you're getting ready for the hazards of winter, remember these important tips to help keep your home and family safe. Prepare Your Home As the temperatures start to drop, it's a good idea to begin winterizing your home. Caulk and weather stripping around your windows and doors will insulate your home and help keep the cold air out. Installing storm windows or a layer of plastic on the inside of your windows will also provide an extra layer of insulation. Additionally, have a professional clean and service your heating system to make sure it's ventilated and working properly before you need it. Finally, if you have a fireplace, make sure you inspect and clean it before using it. more Get Your Vehicle Ready Once your home is ready for winter weather, it's time to prepare your vehicle. Take your vehicle to your mechanic to check the battery, lights, antifreeze, oil, defroster, and exhaust system. Now is also a good time to replace your windshield wipers with ones designed specifically to handle ice, snow, and freezing temperatures. If you know you'll be on the road a lot during winter, a good set winter tires can provide the extra traction you need. You'll also want to keep your gas tank full to avoid ice in the fuel lines and tank. Pack a Winter Emergency Kit Before you head out on those winter roads, make sure you have a winter emergency kit in your vehicle in case you get stranded on the road. Your kit should include blankets, hats and gloves, an extra charger for your cellphone, a flashlight and extra batteries, kitty litter or sand for traction, booster cables, a first aid kit, water, and nonperishable food. You should also consider leaving a small ice scraper, shovel, and broom inside to help remove and clear snow from your vehicle. Prepare for a Power Outage If the forecast calls for a winter storm, it's possible you could lose power. To make sure you're ready to go a few days without electricity, stock your kitchen with food that doesn't require cooking or refrigeration. You'll also want to store water in clean containers for drinking, bathing, and flushing. If you have a fireplace as an alternate heating source, be sure you have a full supply of dry wood nearby. Stay Warm Outside Whether you're enjoying some outside winter fun or cleaning up after a winter storm, it's important to stay warm and safe when you're outside. Make sure you wear proper outdoor clothing, including a wind-resistant jacket, gloves, a hat, scarf, and waterproof boots. Heart attacks from overexertion spike during winter, so take your time and work slowly when you're shoveling snow. When snowstorms strike Michigan this season, you and your family will be prepared thanks to these helpful tips for staying safe during winter weather.

If you feel the winter blues creeping up on you this season, spoil yourself with a nice meal at a good restaurant. There is nothing like tasty food, a refreshing cocktail, and friendly service to cheer you up. Here are a few restaurants in and around Redford, Michigan, that consistently deliver great service and food. Mama Mia's If you are into Italian cuisine then Mama Mia's is the restaurant for you, as they serve the best pizza and pasta in the neighborhood. Mama Mia's is a family-owned restaurant that has been around for the last 50 years, consistently delivering good food and service. The interior of the restaurant has a casual and homely atmosphere, and you can sit at a table, booth, or at the bar. more For starters, you can go for pan-fried calamari, fried zucchini, or a Minestrone soup. On the Entrée menu are Italian pasta dishes like fettuccine Alfredo and cannelloni, or you can opt for specialty dishes like veal scallopini Marsala, consisting of tender, sautéed medallions with Marsala wine. But don't forget the pizza, still made the same way as when Mama Mia's opened back in the day. Bite into a Mama Mia Special with cheese, pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, and green peppers, or a Vegetarian Special with cheese, mushrooms, onions, green peppers, tomatoes, and broccoli. Mama Mia's is located at 19385 Beech Daly Road, Redford Charter Township. Benihana Benihana, located in Dearborn, is well worth the seven-mile drive from Redford. At this Japanese restaurant, a teppanyaki chef will entertain you by preparing your dish in front of you while you sip on a specialty cocktail. Or go the Japanese way and choose some saki from the extensive sake menu, which features interesting choices such as Mio Sparkling Sake and Tyku Cucumber Sake. The locale is pleasant and laid-back, exuding a warm and welcoming atmosphere. At Benihana you can expect top-quality USDA Choice beef, fresh sushi, crisp, hand-cut vegetables, and house-made sauces. The menu features quite a large variety of dishes. For starters enjoy soft-shell crab with Momiji, scallion, and ponzu sauce, or pan-fried Gyoza dumplings with spicy sesame soy sauce. Entrées include delectable dishes such as Seafood Diablo with sea scallops, calamari, shrimp, vegetables, and noodles, or Hibachi Chateaubriand served with mushrooms and garlic. There is, of course, also a large selection of fresh sushi available. You will find Benihana at 18601 Hubbard Drive, Dearborn. Mitchell's Fish Market A seafood lover should take the short drive from Redford to Livonia to dine at Mitchell's Fish Market. This restaurant boasts an attractive, roomy interior, with a large bar where you can sit down and enjoy a house cocktail before your meal. If you visit Mitchell's on a sunny day, there is an outdoor patio featuring shaded seating space. Spoil yourself with some fresh oysters or crispy calamari for starters, and for your entree, bite into a Shanghai sea bass with rice-wine soy sauce, sticky rice, and spinach, or a ginger-crusted salmon with citrus butter, sticky rice, and stir-fry vegetables. Mitchell's is located at 17600 Haggerty Road, Livonia. Beat the winter blues this season by enjoying a hearty meal at one of these restaurants. You are bound to head home with a smile in your heart.