It's that time of year again when the weather starts to get colder and we all have to start preparing for the winter. For some of us, this means stocking up on supplies like shovels, gloves, hats, and blankets. For others, it means learning about cold weather safety tips so you can stay safe this winter. No matter what your plans are for staying warm during the winter, make sure you read this blog post first!
First things first and that's if you have a car you need to have a few items in order to make sure your winter driving experience is at least easier. You should have a good set of tires with a lot of tread (usually a dedicated set of snow tires), a shovel, a scraper, and some kitty litter or sand. These items will help you if you get stuck in the snow, or have been buried by the snow plow. We also recommend in the event you get stranded or stuck you also have blankets in your car, and some nonperishable snacks.
If you're someone who tends to spend a lot of time outside during the winter, whether it's for work or play, you need to make sure you dress appropriately. This means layers upon layers. You should always have a base layer, an insulation layer, and a cover layer. Layers not only allow for the conservation of body heat, and prevention of wind chill, but they also allow you to take layers off if you get too warm.
Of course, one of the best ways to stay safe and warm during the winter is by staying indoors. But if you must go outside, make sure you dress appropriately, have all the supplies you need, and know how to stay safe in cold weather conditions. If you don't have to go outside there are still a few important safety steps to remember for a New England winter. If you live in a home without a generator especially you should have lots of spare blankets, and flashlights placed all over your apartment or house (never know when the power could go out) the most useful spot in my home is the flashlight next to the toilet. Extra consumables like toilet paper, water bottles, and canned goods are also important to have just in case the power is gone for a few days. Even if you don't lose your power there's a chance of getting snowed in, or trapped, in your home for a day or even longer, so those provisions will serve you even better should that occur.
All in all, staying safe in the winter isn't really that hard though, its a few steps you've got to take at the beginning of the season that chances are likely you will never look at again. If you follow these steps and use your best judgment you should be fine, and if not there's always the power of the internet to help guide you to your local storm shelters (usually stadiums and schools). Stay Safe this winter!