How to Prepare for Snow

By taking a few simple preparations before it snows, we can enjoy the snow rather than worrying about getting the car out of the driveway or dealing with the snow on the roof.

Its easy to forget just how cold winter can be! Before the first snow, find your winter hats and gloves from wherever you tossed them last spring. Throw them in the washer.

Dig out your snow shovels from the back of the garage or shed. Pound out any dents you made chipping ice last winter. Apply a lubricant to keep the snow from sticking. Cooking spray, petroleum jelly, paraffin or WD-40 will all help save your back.

Tune up your snowblower to make sure it's ready. Does it need an oil change or new spark plug? Do you have gas? Will it start? Are its nuts and bolts tight? Clear away any obstacles from the driveway that could be ingested by the snowblower.

It's much easier to plant your driveway snow stakes before the ground freezes. Four foot tall reflective stakes will help you keep the car in the driveway on dark winter nights and keep the snowplows from tearing up your prized lawn.

Put an ice scraper in your car. If you park outside, keep another scraper inside your house so you can start scraping the car before you get inside. Consider using a combination ice scraper and snow brush.

Buy a lock de-icer to thaw and release frozen automobile door or trunk locks. The de-icer will also work on any iced-up household locks.

Stock up on sand, rock salt or other material you use to melt ice. Buy these materials before the first storm when the store has plenty of inventory.

Tune your clock radio to the channel which broadcasts local school closings, or book-mark the website listing school cancellations. There's no point waking the kids up early on those magical days! Also, how will you know if your office is closed?

Prepare your house for snow and cold. Turn off outside water faucets (or let them drip slowly). Drain and store water hoses. Flush and empty irrigation systems. Insulate any water pipes exposed to freezing weather. Caulk around outside windows and doors. Install storm windows and doors. Clean gutters. Install and turn on snow melting cables on the roof to prevent ice dams. Add antifreeze to any portable basketball base filled with water. Patch cracks in driveways, walkways or siding.

Install Holiday lights before the first big snowfall. This will avoid the need to climb up high ladders after it gets cold, windy, icy and slippery. Wait with turning on the power until closer to the Holidays if you don't want to appear too anxious.

Stock up on hot cocoa, coffee, wine or anything that makes you feel warm & cozy.