Let It Snow, Right? How to Get Prepared for Winter Weather

By Victoria Robertson on December 13, 2016

While it’s technically still fall (I know, hard to believe, right?) winter is moving in quickly and without remorse.

Last year, we faced extreme temperatures throughout most of the country and less snow than usual, and it looks like this year is going to more than make up for that.

Weather reports for this week are predicting another “polar vortex,” meaning we’re about to see some extremely cold temperatures move in at a dangerous pace.

stocksnap.io

And, to top it all off, there will, of course, be some more snow heading our way in what appears to be another cross-country snowstorm.

For those of us based here in Illinois, we just said goodbye to a long weekend of icy temperatures and never ending snowfall, but we’re far from in the clear. This weekend, again, we can expect to see snowstorms on Friday and Saturday to the same effect, at least, as is predicted at the moment.

And the storm that just hit us is making its way to the east coast now, making their Monday morning and afternoon commutes a bit of a nightmare.

We feel their pain.

Either way, it’s time to be prepared as colder weather continually moves in now through at least the end of the year and, because we’re so lucky, most likely into the new year as well.

So here are a few, quick recommendations for those of you that commute to work or campus or that are just trying to keep warm in this insane winter weather.

1. Be sure to check your heat and hot water before the cold front moves in again: The last thing you’re going to want is to sit in your dorm or apartment with full winter gear on because you hadn’t realized nothing in the apartment was working.

A common mistake students make is not checking such things before they’re needed, and this could be an issue. So rather than waiting for the mechanic when many other students are realizing the same thing, be diligent and check beforehand so you’re ready for the cold.

2. Bundle up: No, this isn’t just something your mom used to tell you when you were younger. Wearing the works, including scarves, hats, gloves/mittens and a parka/boots is essential to staying warm in this weather. Dress in layers and always dress for the weather outside, not for the heat inside (which is why you should consider layers).

It’s better to be a little warm in class than sick a week later because you weren’t prepared for the cold temperatures.

3. Prepare your cars: When you’re parking your car outside, as many of us are, stick your windshield wipers up to avoid them sticking to your windshield and breaking, and always keep extra supplies in your car in case you break down or slide into a snow bank. It sounds ridiculous, but if you’re prepared in these situations, you’re going to be a lot better off.

Also, be sure your tires are winter-ready, bring something to wipe down your car in case of snowfall and always have a fully charged cellphone, just in case things go wrong. (They’re called accidents for a reason, so you might as well always be prepared for them).

4. Take care of your pets: For those of you living with pets, don’t forget about them during this cold weather. For those little animals, boots might be a good idea to prevent their feet from freezing in the cold. Sweaters/jackets for walks outside are necessary as well.

If avoidable, keep your pets inside. When letting them out, try to shovel pathways for them so that they aren’t walking through snow. They get just as cold as we do, so it’s important that we prevent them from getting sick or freezing as well.

5. Don’t push it: While many classes won’t be called off due to cold weather conditions, if you don’t feel safe walking or driving to class, don’t do it. Your safety comes first, and if weather conditions impair you from making it safely, go through the proper recourses to alert your professor to your absence.

You can work this out with the individual professors and discuss alternative options for your absence, if possible. (For some schools, this isn’t going to be an option, but for those where it is, I would most definitely take it).

Again, the impending weather is still up in the air, but forecasters are confident in saying this is going to be a cold couple of weeks, and there will most definitely be more snow on the way.

So as you brace for the winter weather, follow these steps to ensure that you, your house and your car are all prepared, as this is the best way to avoid any foreseeable issues as we battle yet another cold front.

Follow Uloop

Apply to Write for Uloop News

Join the Uloop News Team

Discuss This Article

Back to Top

Log In

Contact Us

Upload An Image

Please select an image to upload
Note: must be in .png, .gif or .jpg format
OR
Provide URL where image can be downloaded
Note: must be in .png, .gif or .jpg format

By clicking this button,
you agree to the terms of use

By clicking "Create Alert" I agree to the Uloop Terms of Use.

Image not available.

Add a Photo

Please select a photo to upload
Note: must be in .png, .gif or .jpg format