Nov 24, 2019 3 min read

Here in Southwestern Pennsylvania, as late fall comes upon us just before winter rears its sometimes fiery head, it is a good chance to re-evaluate whether or not we are prepared for harsh weather.

A few weeks ago, we reported that Peter Geiger, editor of the Farmer’s Almanac, predicted this winter will be a “polar coaster,” moving from frosty and frigid temperatures to a “winterlude” of warmer ones. He said it will be colder than normal and predicted winter’s worst would be in late January and continue on into February.

But with the holidays approaching quickly, now is the time to look ahead to a winter weather season before the hustle and bustle takes over, and be prepared for what is around the corner.

A top priority in the colder months is heat. Now is the time to have a fuel delivery. It’s never a good idea to wait until you run out in the coldest part of winter, hopeful that a delivery can be made. With the cost of fuel about $2.50 per gallon, many residents aren’t able to take the financial hit all at once of having tanks filled to last throughout the winter. Now is the time to re-evaluate the family budget, and to ensure you have a plan in place to have the money needed to refill the tank midwinter when it gets low.

Residents should check for adequate shovels and salting supplies, with enough to take care of city sidewalks in front of their homes, as well as steps and porches as mail carriers and the like will use those areas.

When the snow does fly, it is also important to remember to clear vehicles of snow and ice before they are taken onto a roadway. State law provides for penalties if uncleared snow or ice dislodges and causes injury or death. Additionally, there is currently proposed legislation that seeks to penalize anyone who doesn’t clear a vehicle of snow and ice, regardless of whether or not there has been an accident. But we as responsible drivers should not have to depend on a law to help us make good, safe choices. Keep an ice scraper in the car. Despite being garage-kept, it may be parked outdoors long enough to have some build up away from home.

Also for vehicles, it’s crucial to check the tread on your tires to ensure they are going to help you get around safely on covered roadways. Check with a professional who can tell you whether or not your tires are ready for winter.

Keep an emergency kit in the car, with extra blankets and water, in the event you become stranded. An emergency kit at home is also a good idea, should areas lose power for longer periods of time. Non-perishable food items, can openers, water, extra blankets, flashlights, extra batteries and a charged power bank for cellphones are all good items to have on hand.

A little advanced preparation can go a long way.