I am at the point where I just have to laugh with all the snow that we have had this year in Virginia--otherwise I would cry! The Washington D.C. metro area, which includes suburban Virginia and Maryland, usually gets a couple of light snows, but rarely anything like what we have gotten this year.
The evidence is anecdotal, but it seems to me that the years that we purchased or upgraded our snow 
blower were years that we got little or no snow
So here is a list of things that you should do to prepare for NEXT winter. I can almost (but not completely) guarantee that if you do all these things, you will notice a significant reduction in the amount of snow we see next season:
- Buy the biggest, strongest snow blower that you can find
- Buy extra engine oil for the super strong snow blower
- Keep the gas can stocked and in a safe place
- Stock up on snow shovels; all types. Replace any shovel that looks at all decrepit or prone to breaking.
- Buy one of those plow-style snow movers (they look like a big, square plastic sled with wheels at one end).
- Find one of those nifty ice-choppers (I just used one to break up the 2 inches of ice that had settled on my driveway). A friend from Buffalo told me about it and it has been a god-send!
- Keep plenty of pet-safe ice melt around
- Always keep plenty of hot chocolate available
- Get that emergency generator that you have been coveting (and see #3)
- Make sure you have a battery operated radio (and spare batteries)
- Have flashlights on hand with batteries to put in them
- Keep extra windshield wiper fluid on hand to restock after a storm
- Check the pet food and make sure you have enough on hand
- Don't let prescription medications get below one weeks worth of medication
- Make sure all family members are outfitted with warm, well-fitting coats, snow pants, boots, scarves, mittens/gloves and hats. Check them in October and buy them then for best selection in both color and fit.
- Buy a variety of sleds and saucers so that you can have fun in the snow, too!
- Get your cars in for service, check tires and battery, and make sure they always have gas before a possible snow storm.
Most years in the D.C. Metro area will not require any of these items...except maybe the warm coat, hat and gloves. This winter we have used them all and gone out for restocking once or twice. I am sure I have left things off of the list, but those were the items that came to mind this morning as we prepared for our latest snow storm.
All kidding aside, next fall when supplies are plentiful, consider purchasing the items on my list. If you stock up early, besides being well-prepared for any snow emergency, you will almost ensure that the rest of us don't have to deal with a snow storm next year. And we will all thank you!
Stay safe and warm!
Holly Weatherwax, Associate Broker
EcoBroker,Graduate of Realtors Institute,Accredited Buyers Representative,e-pro
If I can assist you with the purchase or sale of property in Northern Virginia, please visit my website: www.greatexperience.net , my blog Real Estate and Reston or email me at hollyweatherwax@mris.com. My direct number is 571-643-4902.
I believe buying or selling real estate should be a GREAT EXPERIENCE!
Holly, I totally agree, here in Gettysburg which isn't too far from where you are we got buried. It's like that with everything, if you prepare for it, it doesn't happen...
I thought buying my 3rd snow shovel would do it.....we are having wet, cold rain at the moment - no snow. Maybe I need to turn on the sprinklers!!!
Holly, we have a snow blower and have been using it weekly, lately it has been used daily. Luckily we purchased a generator that can take care of the entire house. A few weeks the power went out for six hours....lucky we had the generator.
Holly - I agree with Gerry, here in Gettysburg we are getting hammered by the white stuff. I'm looking outside right now and can barely see my neighbors house.
I think you are on to something. I remember that everytime I really needed a snow day, it never snowed. But when I had something fun planned, a blizzard! Getting a new snowblower will definitely ensure that it won't snow!
This is too funny. I have to reblog this one.
I have one to ad. Move back to FLORIDA. I can't believe that I actually moved to Maryland from the Sunshine State.
Holly, I planning to buy a nice big SUV that will drive through anything! That'll make global warming kick in!
Cute! It's funny what we take for granted! :-)
Cute! It's funny what we take for granted! :-)
We some record snow this past week too. It is unusal for us and we don't have snow blower but the kids enjoyed themselves all weekend long since school were out for 2 days before the weekend.
Holly:
There is actually a science to this. I waited too long this season to have my snow tires put on and got into a terrible mess because of it. Ever since I finally had them put on there hasn't been any snow.
Holly,
I think you are absolutely right, if everyone in the DC area was prepared, you won't get that darn snow!
Here's hoping more isn't headed your way!
All the best, Michelle
You guys are weenies! It's gods plan to snow in all of Washington and the politicians will not be able to leave & they will all strangle themselves. I can always hope!
Lyn, That's hysterical! Of course that's God's plan!
Great list of things to have. But of course, that's totally the opposite of what I really want...I love snow days...no school, no students...an extra day to relax, stay at home with the wife and kids...
But seriously, I still haven't bought that snowblower I want, so maybe that's why we are getting so much snow up here...nah, we're supposed to get snow in the wintertime...
Holly, Whenever I have my preparations made, I don't need them! Great post.
We have had an unusually large amount of snow this year also, but not as much as you. I will have to try these methods and see if they work in the midwest!!