I may or may not be able to get the planned post up, thanks to some very uncertain weather. Depending on which forecast or model one goes to, we could see snow, sleet, freezing rain, or hamsters. Well, maybe not the latter but it is going to be a bad day to be out driving. No choice, so out I go.
But, I am prepared. Earlier this morning, I went out and salted our driveway. This was done using a small spreader that is used for a rotating variety of tasks throughout the year. I’m about to go check it again in a few minutes. No real ice buildup, so far, but why take chances and if we do end up getting almost an inch of snow, the ice melt will also help deal with it — which reduces how much shoveling or plowing I get to do.
My vehicle has not only de-ice fluid in the wiper washer, I also have a small hand-held pressure sprayer filled with the same stuff. One, wiper-washers can get iffy when very cold and ice is involved. Two, I can use it on any and all windows, to help cut down on the scraping and the time I’m out in the cold and whatever is falling.
Finally, my vehicle has good tires, antifreeze, oil, and other basic maintenance done. It also has tools and things I could need should I get stuck so that I can — on my own or with help — get myself unstuck. If I can’t? Well, there’s preparations for that as well.
More in a bit, I hope. Oh, and yes, I am an Amazon Affiliate and if you click the links and buy something, I may (one day) earn enough to actually get some money that way.
When I lived in New England the arrival of winter meant throwing a couple of bottles of water, a box of graham crackers, a sleeping bag and a bag with sweat pants, underwear, t-shirt, sweatshirt and thin sneakers in the trunk/behind the seat.
I well remember the blizzard of ’78, where people were stranded in their cars on the highways. Some of them were trapped for three days. Tools are useful if you get stuck, but when the roads are impassable due to stranded cars, you’re not getting home. A few snivel supplies and the opportunity to get out of wet clothing might have made the difference between life and death. Or at least relative comfort and freezing misery.
Of course, filling up when your car hits half a tank is also a good idea.
Agree. I keep some snivel gear at all times, plan to do a post later on full prep. Reminds me, I need to pull my bail out bag here soon and check some of the supplies. Even if not showing as need-to-do, good idea to do it anyway.