While New York isn’t as snowy as Colorado or Vermont, we sometimes forget that we do have a winter season. So why the panic at the first flutter of a snowflake?
Yes, blizzards and massive winter snowstorms are more of a rarity for Long Islanders, but it’s just snow. The mass panic that ensues after a storm warning or possible flurries has become reminiscent of Chicken Little fearing that the sky is falling.
Don’t speed to the gas station to wait on a gas line or spend your life savings stocking up on food at the last minute. Take a deep breath and make a checklist. Do you have shovels or a snowblower? How about enough winter apparel readily available? Do you have a sufficient supply of bottled water and candles? How about a generator or place to go for hot water and electricity in case of a power outage? Do you have enough blankets? Are your cars parked in the driveway or out of harm’s way from the snowplow? Most importantly, do you really need to get behind the wheel? If you weren’t ready for the first blizzard of 2015, then make sure you have a list that is good to go for the next one. Be prepared, and stay safe and warm this winter.
