What to know about snow?

[Tea Earl Grey Hot]

I'm living in the north for the first time. I've never been in snow before. Are there any special things I should know about living in cold climates and having to deal with snow everyday?

I'm mainly scared of slipping on ice. I walk outside a lot to get to here and there.

It hasn't snowed yet where I live but it will probably soon.

[Optimistic Mysanthrope]

Don't eat yellow snow

[pineapplebunnybounce]

Don't wear those long johns, especially if you're staying indoors a lot, you'll be able to deal with just a pair of jeans. Wear layers, always bring scarf and gloves and hat. Especially if you need to walk a lot, when the wind blows your head would hurt unless you have a cap (beanie) on. If you're buying coats, buy one that will close up to your neck and I like those with hoods but it's optional if you're always going to wear a cap(zip or button it's fine). You don't really need a very good coat, I've been using cheap ones, just wear another sweater underneath if you want to save some money. Oh and your legs will be numb from the cold when you walk out a lot, don't worry, you'll get used to it.

Don't walk on ice, shouldn't have a lot of ice on the sidewalk, I've slipped once, it wasn't so bad. Probably won't slip on snow, but get waterproof boots, having wet toes during winter is one of the worst things ever.

Toronto snowed today! I so dread going to work tomorrow .

[Minimalist]

I had this photo taken of me shortly before I moved to friggin' Arizona.

It reminds me why I left NY.

[Angrboda]

Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!


Oddly enough, getting in out of the cold today, I stopped at a convention + sale at a mountaineering store, where I ran into a display rack of skis. I haven't gone skiing in ten years, but it would sure do a body good. I've joked that in high school and college, I only took my ski boots off as needed for the doctor. Am a ski bunny from way back.

[Ryantology]

I'm living in the north for the first time. I've never been in snow before. Are there any special things I should know about living in cold climates and having to deal with snow everyday?

I'm mainly scared of slipping on ice. I walk outside a lot to get to here and there.

It hasn't snowed yet where I live but it will probably soon.

Best and fairly obvious advice I can give you is that if you're driving on unplowed roads, go slow. If that pisses off people behind you, ignore them.

[Minimalist]

If that pisses off people behind you, ignore them.

Unless they have guns.

[Mystical]

Well, this is what I've learned from some hard lucky lessons in Colorado.

DO NOT HIT THE BRAKES ON ICE!
to stop, shift gears down to first gear. Do not drive a rear wheel drive car in the snow and make sure you have good traction on your tires. If you get stuck on some ice, just sit there for a bit. The car will melt it and u can be off Using your brights in heavy snow is like using them in fog. If you have low visibility I'd turn your red flashers on so no one rear ends you.
Also good to have an emergency kit available in your car of gloves and water, flashlight, maybe a CB radio. Never leave the house without a heavy coat and socks.
Lastly, black ice is almost always on bridges and off ramps. It looks like water on the road, dark.

[Psykhronic]

Front wheel drive or four wheel drive will help you avoid slipping more so than rear wheel drive. Also, whether or not you use long-johns depends upon the cold and how often you have to walk places. I used spandex under my jeans before in western mass and it was so awesomely warm. I did deal with it for three years without doing so, but since i spent so much time walking between class it was a welcome change to wear some leg protection - the buildings also tended to be cool even with the heat on.

Oh, and right before a storm, everyone runs to the stores to stockpile everything ("GOTTA GET THE BREAD AND THE MILK"). Fill up pots and/or bathtubs with water before a storm so you can flush the toilet, and if you have a gas stove you will be set regarding food. If not, get some snack foods beforehand but try not to go to the stores last minute since there will be NOTHING.

[Ryantology]

If that pisses off people behind you, ignore them.

Unless they have guns.

I like to imagine that a few of the overturned vehicles I've seen during Virginia snows are less the locals' lack of experience and more the result of them losing control of theirs while reaching for a gun in anger over somebody being annoyingly safe.