So my state recently got hit to the mother of all blizzards. The snow was piled up so high, it was almost taller than me. And everybody went crazy, even though this is an area accustomed to blizzards. Sadly the Better Half, who has only experienced two east coast winters, ever, was one of the crazies. I felt bad – when I wasn't giggling secretly to myself. Still, blizzards can be scary and also boring, because of the likelihood of getting snowed in someplace. So here are 7 tips on coping with a blizzard that may help next time!
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Keep Warm and Hydrated
The heat in our apartment went out right after this last blizzard. Very bad. You have to stay warm during a blizzard, inside and outside. Because of the colder temperatures, it's also important to stay hydrated, because that will actually help you stay warm. Best piece of advice: don't, under any circumstances, let your feet get cold or wet. The rest of you will soon follow, and be miserable.
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Wait to Shovel
This seems like it's self-explanatory, but apparently not, judging from what I saw this last time. If you're getting bucket loads of snow, don't start shoveling or snow blowing while it's still coming down. That's an exercise in futility. Even if you can't wait until it stops completely, at least wait until it slows down a bit.
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Have the Right Supplies
When you're driving, during the winter it's a good idea to have certain things, just in case. Have some water in your car. Have a gas can, some flares and flashlights, a first aid kit, and things like that. It's also a good idea to have some blankets, and some spare shoes and socks, if not an entire outfit of spare clothing – warm, of course!
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Don't Freak
Snow is scary, but whatever, it's just frozen water. If you panic, things are going to seem a whole lot worse than they are. Don't freak out about when it's going to be safe to drive, when you can get out of your driveway, and so on. Just stay chill, sit back, and enjoy as much as you can.
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Stock up
This is not the end of the world. You don't need to get twelve loaves of bread, forty cases of water, and twenty crates of ramen or anything. However, you should have plenty of food, just in case you're stuck inside for a few days.
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Happiness depends upon ourselves.
Drive Smart
Needless to say, you should not be driving in a blizzard. Still, it happens; sometimes you have to be on the road. Be smart, because you have to go on the assumption that you're surrounded by idiots who are losing their freaking minds. Don't go too fast, keep your lights and wipers on, tap the breaks, and stay well behind the car in front of you.
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Occupy Your Time
You also need to find things to do. You may not be getting out for a while. Have plenty of books to read, puzzles to do, activities to fill your time. It'll help you from getting cabin fever and going into monster mode.
I'd like to think that my state has reached its quota for blizzards, but that's pretty unreasonable. We're all likely going to get to enjoy lots more snow before spring. What do you do when you're snowed in?
Top Photo Credit: Jacked01
