Halloween is here, fall is coming to an end, and you can taste the winter on the air. Like the Starks say, winter is coming.
Winter in North Dakota means you now have to watch out for a few different things. There is more that simple bundling up in warm clothes and treading out into the slicing wind chilled world. Here are some ideas to keep in mind when traversing the frozen tundra this year:
1. Have an Ice Scraper handy at all times
Without one of these, frosted windows can be a heap of trouble you don't want. I have used an old gift card before, but nothing beats a dutiful scraper. Without it, you either have to wait for your car to warm up and defrost the windows on its own or find that gift card. It can save you a lot of time and a nasty headache.
2. Let your car warm up!
Letting your vehicle warm up is not only a comfort thing but good for it as well.
3. Keep a winter survival kit in your trunk
Winter roads and overall weather condition is an extreme hazard and should be taken very seriously. Keeping a winter survival kit in your vehicle can mean the difference between life and death, especially in rural areas. A few blankets, extra snow gear, water, some non-perishable food, and possibly a heat source make up a good basic survival kit. You never know how long you may be stranded if a snow storm catches you unawares.
4. Get a tow rope and shovel!
We have all done it - slide on an icy road into the ditch. Having a tow-rope for friendly truck drivers to help you out can be a huge blessing. Also, having the shovel to dig the snow out from your tires can mean the difference between getting it out in 10 minutes compared to an hour, or possibly calling a tow-truck.
5. Be aware of black ice
Black ice on the roads during a winter night is extremely dangerous. You might not even see the thick ice until its too late. You will spin out. You may get into a tragic wreck. Don't be in that tragic wreck. Drive carefully.
6. Be even more aware of other drivers
Other drivers can be just as big a hazard as any other during the winter months. Especially when it's the first snow/ice. It takes some time for everyone to adjust from summer/fall weather to cold winter weather conditions. Don't ride someone's bumper! Unless you like to pay for people's new back-ends.
7. Check the weather before you go out
If a winter storm is coming, don't go out. If it is extremely windy and there is ice on the road, don't hit up the interstate. Knowing what you're heading out into lets you prepare for the conditions.
8. If possible, have winter tires
Having tires that have a better grip on ice and general winter conditions makes driving less crazy around here.
9. Keep a full tank of gas as often as possible
This falls along the lines of getting stranded. Having a full tank of gas can be the difference between life and death. Having the heat to keep you warm, plus a winter survival kit, should keep you safe until help arrives.
10. If all else fails, just don't leave the house
One easy way to not have a problem with any winter shenanigans? Don't leave the house. Stay inside as much as possible. It's what I plan to do.
