The Article below was published in Vol. 135, Issue 5 of the Lake Forest College Stentor on February 7, 2020
By Katie Ketterer ’23
Staff Writer
With winter here for a couple more months, it is important to stay safe out there and be prepared. With icy road conditions and snowstorms making it hard to drive, the possibility of being snowed in altering your plans, and cold temperatures making it difficult to stay warm, winter in the Midwest presents its fair share of challenges. Here are some tips to get you safely through the season:
Transportation
- Check the weather for any storms that might affect your travel. If a big storm is coming, you might want to delay your trip. If you have to travel, have plans in place in the case of an emergency. If you are driving, try to stay on roads that have been plowed and salted. Back roads may sound better, but they are often still covered in snow and ice after main roads have been cleared.
- Prepare your vehicle for winter weather by creating an emergency kit with essentials. Having things like a phone charger and flashlight can come in handy, as well as a first aid kit. The travel service AAA (American Automobile Association) recommends packing blankets, gloves, drinking water and snacks, an ice scraper/snow brush, jumper cables, and road flares or reflectors.
- Consider purchasing a subscription to a roadside assistance company. In the event of an emergency, whether that be a lockout, a dead battery, the need for emergency fuel delivery, or the need for a tow, roadside assistance companies can provide assistance and save you money in the long run.
Home/Dorm
- Keep some water and nonperishable food stockpiled in case you are not able to make it to the store because of a storm.
- Have a supply of blankets, warm clothes, and flashlights in the event of a furnace or power outage.
- Change your furnace filter at the start of the season and then every two to four months. Clogged or dirty filters are less efficient, which means your home might not warm up properly.
- Seal drafty windows and doors. Gaps around windows and doors can make it tough to keep your house warm in winter. Install weather stripping or caulk around doors, as needed. This minor and inexpensive task can help you save on heating costs.
Fashion
- A hat and gloves will keep your head and hands warm while out in the cold. Touchscreen gloves allow you to still use your phone while you have them on.
- Make sure that you have a warm coat to wear. The most expensive coats may not always be the best choice for warmth, so consider the utility of your coat over the fashion.
- Have a solid pair of winter boots ready to walk through deep snow. Again, the most expensive or well-known brand may not always be the best at protecting your feet and keeping them warm.
- Fuzzy socks are always a great and fun choice to keep your feet warm, indoors and outdoors.
Stay safe out there!
Katie Ketterer can be reached at kettererke@mx.lakeforest.edu
