Preparing for winter in 30 steps | Health and Fitness | hickoryrecord.com – Hickory Daily Record

Winter looks very different depending on whether you're above orbelow the Mason-Dixon Line. Below that imaginary line, which runs alongon the northern edges of West Virginia and Maryland,winter weather might mean highs in the 50s and snow on rare occasions. Above, youre talking about black ice, gusting winds, inches upon inches of snow, and road and school closures (particularly for those living in mountaneous regions or along the Snowbelt of the Great Lakes). If youre not used to it, your first real winter can be disconcerting. How do you prepare? Do you need an ice scraper (and what does it look like)? How are snow boots different from regular winter boots?

A common misconception is that our recent spate of record-breaking winters runs counter to a global warming crisis. Others believe the crisis only makes warm summers hotter. The full picture, however, is that global warming makes both ends of the weather spectrum more extreme, and that means even harsher winters. Take this past winter, for example, when Arctic air blew across the country in a highly publicized Polar Vortex.

Whether you believe in the science behind the impending brutal winter season or wish to ignore the cold while you still can during the fall months, were guessing youd still rather be prepared head-to-toe far ahead of time. When the next morning of waking up to another record low or record snowfall arrives, itll be better if youre stocked up on proper insulation, snow gear, warm socksand favorite canned soup.

We know preparing for extreme winter weather can seem overwhelming. Thats why Stacker compiled the following recommendations from the National Weather Service, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and other government organizations, in addition to meteorologists and experts. Follow these 30 steps and youll be prepared for anything the weather throws at you: freezing rain, sleet, snow, even full-on blizzard conditions. Once you have a good pair of gloves, snow tires, and an emergency plan, the weather report doesnt seem so dreadfulafter all.

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Preparing for winter in 30 steps | Health and Fitness | hickoryrecord.com - Hickory Daily Record