A little advice for all my non long time maryland resident friends
This winter is either going to be very boring, or very snowy... depending on who you listen to. If nothing happens well then good but for those of you from more sunny areas I figured I would give you a little heads up on what a long snowy winter is like around here. I know most of you have a good food supply but you may not have thought about other things you would need during the winter.
First, make sure you own at least 1 snow shovel. There is no reason you should ever live someplace that snows and not own a snow shovel. I lived in an apartment and I owned a snow shovel. Anyone who was here 3 winters ago for those 2 blizzards can tell you waiting for maintenance to clear your sidewalks and parking lot after a big storm might leave you stuck for several days.
Now that you have a snow shovel you will need water proof snow boots and water proof snow gloves. Those soft knit gloves you can buy for like $1 at walmart might keep your hands warm on your way to work but they will do nothing when your moving snow around. You dont want frost bite. If you do not have snow proof gloves try wearing a few pairs at once. If you own a pair of high rain slick boots those could work instead of snow boots in a pinch but you will want to wear extra socks. If you find yourself without good foot wear and you have to shovel snow, put on a pair of socks, then a plastic bag, then another pair then a bag and another pair. This should keep you warm and dry enough. Having at least one pair of boot socks is well worth it. They are longer and thicker then reg socks and you can tuck the bottom of your pants into them. This helps keep snow out of your socks too.
You will need to melt ice, trust me. Even if its a mild winter it will rain or snow lightly and the sidewalks and driveways will turn to slush and then ice. If you own pets you can buy pet safe ice melt. This is less harsh on their paws then normal ice salt you might buy. Always keep a bag where you can get to it easily. Childrens sized fast food cups make great salt scoopers once they are dry. Just scoop and shake. Remember it takes a little time for the salt to work so do it at least 10 mins before you need to leave. The thicker the ice the more you will need.
Do you have a long driveway? Consider purchasing a snow blower. These can really make the work after a huge storm much easier. If you dont have a long driveway or dont plan to be in a cold climate for long, see if a neighbor might have one that you can use. Try to make arrangements for this before a storm hits. Make sure you check what fuel your snow blower uses and always have a gallon on hand. Most probably use straight gas but check your owners guide to know for sure. If you have a snow blower already remember that it needs some TLC before winter every year to stay in good working condition. Check the oil, spark plug, and all moving parts for extreme rust or wear and tear. If there is a problem the time to find out is before a storm so you can get it repaired or make a new purchase. Also snow blowers are very dangerous. Never let a child use it and make sure all small children and pets are inside while you are using it. Its better to be safe then sorry.
Consider snow removal companies if you have a very very long driveway or if it is very wide. Many farmers in this area make money over the winter removing snow from parking lots and drive ways. They have a list of customers whom they visit every time there is a big snow fall. Check into this service before the winter so you can shop around and find the best price. Establishing this ahead of time can make things much easier after a storm hits because you wont have to wait till they finish everyone else, unless your the last person on their list of course.
Have a fire place? Make sure you have fuel for it. Many homes in columbia have gas fire places but some have pellet stoves, wood stoves or wood fireplaces. Make sure you have wood or pellets if you need them. Should the power go out your family will be greatful there is a way to stay warm. Wood fireplaces also make great places to cook with sticks when the power is out. No matter which of these you have make sure you keep blankets, clothing and children a safe distance. Fires and burns are BAD!
Make a plan now in case of a long power outage. In this area we have huge blizzards, ice storms and just over all nastiness which will settle on power lines and break them. Even if you have no trees in your area if the lines arent buried you are at risk. Before winter hits make sure you have flashlights, lanterns, oil lamps, or candles (and matches) ready. Keep a stock of extra batteries, always have enough on hand to replace each devices battery once and make sure you have fresh ones in at the start of every winter. Have a large cooler. During a winter storm power outage put your perishables in there. Cover with any ice you have and snow from outside. Juice, milk and other large tightly sealed containers can be kept in the snow. Make sure you push them in keep and cover them well. However that only works if you have at least a footish of snow. Keep extra blankets where you can easily get them for sleeping over night in your very cold house. A camp stove or grill with fuel will provide very useful during a power outage. Remember to store fuel for these things outside. If they leak they can make you very sick inside. If you have a generator remember to only run it outdoors away from windows or other openings such as drier vents or ac units.You will want to keep emergency numbers where you can get them without a computer. Program the BGE outage line into your cell phone ahead of time. If you live someplace with a well, fill your bathtubs with water before a storm hits so you can use it to flush toilets and remember you will need more bottled water then people in places like columbia. Complete your plans with places you can go to or friends you could stay with should the power be out for more then a day or 2. Knowing you have someplace you could take your pet or small child can make it less stressful should it come to that.
Pets can make things more complicated during power outages or snowstorms. If you have a reptile or amphibian they can not handle the cold at all. Should the temp in their "cage" fall 10 degrees below what you normally keep it at during the night, find someone to take it until you power comes back on. Also remember that birds are very sensitive to smoke and odors coming from stoves and fire places and what is fine for the rest of us may kill them. Outdoor pets (cats or dogs) should be brought inside during snowstorms. If your pet isnt house broken keep them in a bathroom. Livestock handle winter weather much better but remember they will need non frozen water and may need a different diet during storms for extra calories (calories = warmth). Check with your vet about this and remember very young and very old animals do not handle cold as well.
Keeping a winter kit in the car can prove very useful. Pack small ziplock bags of ice melt, a folding snow shovel, window scrapers, extra socks and gloves, and a blanket in your truck for emergencies. You may also want to get hand and feet warming packs, a lock deicer and winter or deicing windshield washer fluid. Having lived in this area since I was a child I can tell you that the special fluids for winter are worth the extra money. Also remember that ice does mean things to windshield wipers. Get as much of it off before using them as you can. Make sure your spare tire is in good shape and you have flares in case of an accident. When it is snowing that may be the only way someone sees you. If you do not know how to drive in the snow please stay off the roads until they are clear. If you have not lived in a cold area before please look up how to steer your car if you loose control. Front wheel and rear wheel cars need to be handled differently. If you have Anti lock breaks remember that the loud sound is normal, keep your foot pressed to the floor and keep steering. If you do not have anti lock breaks practice tapping the breaks quickly. This will keep you from loosing control. Also look up the definition of black ice and never forget it. This stuff can and will appear when you least expect it.
Also please remember to clear all snow from your car before you leave your house. Snow falling from car roofs can cause accidents behind you. Also remember to turn your lights on even in the day if it is or has been snowing. And lastly if you plan you heat up your car before you leave, check that the exhaust if free from snow or your car will fill with dangerous fumes.
Remember to enjoy your winter here in maryland, make a snow angel, build some snow men, have a snow ball fight. Be safe and be prepared.
