Winter has definitely made its appearance here in Ohio, so it’s time to think about winter do’s and don’ts for the snowy season. It can be easy to feel overwhelmed during the wintertime. This guide can help you feel better prepared to tackle the Ohio winter. While staying up to date on winter safety, remember that the light at the end of the tunnel is a warm, sunny summer just a few months away.
Winter Do’s in Ohio: Plan Ahead and Take Your Time
Notify family and friends if you will be traveling and where you’re heading.
Letting loved ones know you will be on the road is always a helpful precaution. In an emergency, this helps ensure someone can locate you. Consider setting up a check-in system, such as calling or texting a loved one upon arrival at your destination.
Give yourself time to get to where you’re going.
Rushing is already stressful as it is; don’t add to the hassle by hurrying in winter weather conditions. Try to hit the road 10-15 minutes earlier than usual in order to take your time while driving. If you are running a bit behind, it’s better to call and say you’re going to be late than to have to call AAA.
Be Ready for Winter Weather
Everyone talks about prepping for winter, but it’s important to know what exactly you should be preparing. Be sure to stock up on non-perishable foods (such as canned goods, granola bars, and trail mix), water, and medications. In the event of a snowstorm, stores/pharmacies may be closed. Having your essentials gathered before the snow hits can save time and worry.
Preparing for winter is also a good time to ensure you have working flashlights with extra batteries. Candles (with matches/a lighter), a First-Aid kit, extra blankets, and board games/playing cards are also essentials on a winter-prep checklist. Well, maybe not the board games and cards, but they’re a fun way to pass the time!
Another way to get ready for the Ohio winter is to assemble a car emergency kit. These can be purchased online or put together on your own. The National Weather Service provides a helpful winter-survival car kit checklist for those who wish to make one.
Dress for the Cold
This last “Do” of winter in Ohio may seem obvious, but it’s for a good reason. The key to staying as warm as possible this winter is layering effectively. The guide below outlines what each of your layers should consist of.
Base Layer:
- Moisture-wicking
- Lightweight
- Snug to the skin
- Synthetic or silk material
Mid-Layer:
- Insulating to trap body heat
- Fleece or wool
- Thick/puffy jackets or vests
Outer Layer:
- Waterproof/weatherproof
- Protective “shield” from outside elements
- Durable, hardshell jackets
Remember to accessorize with scarves, beanies/knit hats, gloves, and wool socks to really lock in the warmth.
Winter Don’ts in Ohio: Avoid Risky Winter Habits
Keep your gas tank below half full. While it’s ideal to have a full tank at all times, aim for at least half a tank. One of the many reasons why this is helpful in the winter is that the Ohio weather can be unpredictable. You never know when you may have to go somewhere on short notice, and stopping for gas might not be possible.
Having at least half a tank of gas also prevents frozen fuel lines. When fuel lines freeze, your car can stall and potentially not start at all. Car trouble is frustrating regardless, let alone in the freezing cold temperatures. Fuel up as often as you can.
Don’t Preheat your vehicle in a garage/closed space
Getting into a warm car in the winter always feels nice, but be sure that you are safely heating up your vehicle. Letting your vehicle preheat in a garage can expose you to dangerous carbon monoxide fumes. In an enclosed space, these odorless and colorless fumes can accumulate rapidly. They are extremely harmful to inhale and can seep into living spaces if your garage is connected to your home.
Opening the garage door while your vehicle heats up may seem like it provides enough ventilation, but that is not the case. Even with the door open, these fumes still generate and pose a hazard. Instead, ensure that you always pull your car out of the garage as soon as you start it. Let this serve as a reminder to also check that your carbon monoxide detectors are working properly.
Choose the Right Fabrics
We’ve discussed what to layer with, but avoid 100% cotton if possible. Whether it be sweat or snow, cotton absorbs moisture. It also loses its insulation when wet and takes a very long time to dry. So, instead of keeping you warm, cotton actually traps the cold air and dampness directly to your skin. To stay cozy and comfortable, stick to synthetic fabrics and wool.
Protect Your Skin
The winter air can be harsh, especially on your skin. Moisturizing multiple times a day helps to lock in the moisture that we tend to lose this time of year. When shopping for lotions and moisturizers, look for key ingredients that work to repair dry skin. For hydration, check products for ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and glycerine. For soothing agents, keep an eye out for products that contain aloe vera, niacinamide, and colloidal oatmeal.
Overall, there’s a handful of approaches that can be used to make the most out of this Ohio winter season. Hopefully, these Do’s and Don’ts can contribute to a safe, stress-free winter for you. While the cold weather can be daunting, be sure to take time for yourself and enjoy the beauty that winter has to offer. Throw some snowballs, sip on hot chocolate, and don’t forget to layer. For more information on Ohio winter preparation, visit the Ohio Department of Health.
