This week New Yorkers in pretty much every region of our state have woken up to fresh snow. With the realization that winter is truly here to stay, there are a few helpful tips that you might want to keep in your back pocket for this season. Helping you enjoy these chilly months as much as you possibly can, here are some of the best things that will help you make it through the winter.
1. Don't be this guy or you'll literally never make it through winter.
There are plenty of safety reasons as to why you should make sure your car is completely cleared off before hitting the road. For one, the snow will almost positively and instantly break apart, falling down onto your car while you're driving and taking away your ability to see what's in front of you. Another safety reason why you shouldn't be driving if your car looks like this? One of your fellow New Yorkers will probably kill you over your lack of common sense or the fact that your snow is bound to hit our car and take away our ability to see the road!
2. Never forget your roof.
If you aren't from New York and have only ever lived in states where if you do get snow, the sun melts it all before you have to put in any heavy work, you won't want to forget about your roof. The thought of actually having to shovel your room may seem crazy, but having Mother Nature carve out a natural skylight into your living room isn't exactly ideal either huh?
3. And don't go expecting to have a Snow Day either.
It's a Sunday night and the news is telling you that mass amounts of snow are due to arrive by morning. You begin to dream about the amazing Snow Day you'll have full of flannel pajamas, plush blankets, hot chocolate on the couch and more Netflix shows than you have time for. But wait! Your dreams are crushed. Because you've woken up on Monday only to realize you still have to go to work and school.
4. Taking up a winter activity will help you out tremendously.
When I was younger and growing up in New York, I always felt bitter about our cold winters and the kids who thought joining ski club was something to be done. I couldn't comprehend why anyone would willing put themselves in such a cold situation. Now a lifetime later, I've come to realize this is one of the only ways you'll survive winter without turning into the Grinch. So come join me for a winter hike and realize winter's not so bad!
5. Keep those windshield wipers up!
There's nothing worse than going out to your car after a snowstorm and seeing that you made the terrible mistake of not putting your windshield wipers up. Make a habit out of doing this during New York's colder months and you won't regret it later!
6. Keep your car stocked with a winter survival kit.
If you open your trunk during winter and it doesn't look like you possibly have had someone living out of it, you might want to consider stocking up a bit more. Blankets, sleeping bags, flashlights, jumper cables, ice scrapers, first aid kit... everything! Keep it in your car New Yorkers.
7. Don't try and pave your own way when it comes to winter.
The urge to drive through fresh powdery snow may be real, but when it comes to driving you'll want to follow in the tire tracks that have already been made in the road.
8. Never forget why New Yorkers love salt so much.
When we're not covering our potatoes in salt, we're using it to our advantage during the cold winter months.
9. But also keep in mind why we tend to hate it too.
While the love/hate relationship with salt certainly consists of more love than it does hate, there are certainly times when we find ourselves cursing out this favorite mineral of ours. After a long winter, our cars can become ridden with rust and our favorite boots look like they got into a fight some some bleach. Things can get nasty!
10. Keep that gas tank full!
It may not seem like a big deal, but you'll want to keep your car's gas tank as close to full as you can throughout New York's winter. The extra weight in your car will come in handy when you're traveling along our snowy and slick roads.
11. Stay bundled up, layers are key!
If you're starting to feel like the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man for Ghostbusters then that probably honestly means you need another layer or two. You may feel hot and ridiculous when you're getting dressed indoors, but the second you step outside you'll be glad you turned yourself into a human ball of fluff you'll be happy. Just think, try and channel your inner Joey from the episode of Friends where no one is ready and he puts on all of Chandler's clothes!
12. Avoid the grocery stores and supermarkets before any big storms if you can get away with it.
No matter how many times we deal with snowstorms as New Yorkers or know that the three feet of snow they're predicting for us will really level out to be just a light dusting, we always panic and run to the store. If you can avoid making trips here, then you won't have to deal with crowds and empty shelves.
13. Things get dark, and they get dark FAST.
God bless every one of us New Yorkers who manage to survive year after year of winters that bring us nothing but darkness and 4PM sunsets. Positive vibes to our friends in Alaska who manage to go weeks without seeing the sun, we're thinking of you vampires always!
14. Don't forget to take advantage of the cold weather darling.
No room in the fridge but you find your arms full of warm beverages? No worries! That's what all that snow outside is for! Make your backyard your own personal fridge and don't forget to have some fun.
Need a way to survive the cold of winter? Then read about The North Pole Train Ride In New York That Will Take You On An Unforgettable Adventure!
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