So far, Buffalo winter has been fairly mild (knock on wood). We have actually been so lucky that Buffalo was able to break 116 year old record of not having any measurable snowfall on or before December 3. Whether you are the type of person who is eagerly awaiting snow or the type of person who is anxiously anticipating it, your best bet is to enter this winter season prepared for the worst. Past winters have proven that Buffalonians can never be too prepared for inclement weather.
Different preparations are necessary for different scenarios. There are some items like warm clothes/blankets, extra food and water, flashlights/battery powered radio (with extra batteries), and a first aid kit that you should have readily available in both your home and your car in the winter. All things considered regarding Buffalo winters, here are some other specific items you should have in your home or car in case you unfortunately get snowed in.
At home you should have:
- Alternate form of heat for the home
- A shovel inside the house
- Necessary medications
- Extra food for your pets
- Manual can opener
- Fire extinguisher
- Rock salt
In your car you should have:
- A full or nearly full tank of gas
- Windshield scraper and/or shovel
- Necessary medications
- Jumper cables
- Cell phone adapter to plug into the car lighter
- Matches and small candles
In addition, make sure before the start of every winter your car has been serviced and that smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in your home are working properly. Being prepared can not only help keep you safe this winter, but also make the brutal weather a little more bearable.
