Who lives up North? HELP!!!

[annegal]

DS is moving temporarily to Connecticut and none of us have ever lived in very cold or snowy areas.

Please give some tips on things he will need.....

Car & snow.......what do you keep in car to rid vehicle of snow?

Clothing....do you layer? Do you wear boots then switch to shoes at work?

Any help is welcomed!


Thanks !!!

 

[MOMTOMOOTOO]

DS is moving temporarily to Connecticut and none of us have ever lived in very cold or snowy areas.

Please give some tips on things he will need.....

Car & snow.......what do you keep in car to rid vehicle of snow?

Clothing....do you layer? Do you wear boots then switch to shoes at work?

Any help is welcomed!


Thanks !!!

Well we are in NJ, and quite honestly the winters have been for the most part mild.

In the car we keep an ice scraper, brush, and a blanket along with all the other "stuff"

As far as layering, my DH wears a suit to work and only on really bad days does he wear boots and switch, my kids layer for school but come home most days in the first layer. Me, I am perimenapausal so don't ask

I would suggest he doesn't go crazy buying things for the snow. Usually when a storm hits big it has been predicted with enough time for purchasing supplies.

HTH

 

[C.Ann]

He'll need a snowbrush - preferably one with an ice scraper at the other end (or he can purchase them individually)..

Warm (preferably waterproof) gloves.

A can of DeIcer - (in his house or apt.) - in case there's an ice storm and the doors or locks on the car freeze..

A blanket in the car - in case he breaks down and gets stuck in a snow bank.. (Cell phone and charger too - just in case.)

Maps of the area - so he knows where he's located - or at least has a general idea..

Winter coat, scarf and hat.. Boots.. (He can carry shoes for work if he's not allowed to wear boots inside..)

---------------------------------------

It's actually kind of hard to "think" of what's needed because I've always lived where there is snow, ice, and cold temps. It's kind of like being on auto pilot - knowing without thinking..

 

[CEDmom]

I'm in NJ. He should have a brush and scraper in the car. So far we've only had a dusting of snow so boots aren't necessary as least for now. We are going into a cold snap so a winter jacket is a good idea along with gloves and a hat. If he doesn't have a winter coat he could layer with polartec and a wind breaker.

 

[poohandwendy]

Have him buy a few snow scraper/brushes. LOL, every time you need one, it never fails you can't find it.

It's always good to keep a full tank at all times in the winter, weighs the car down a tad more and running out of gas in the freezing cold is not fun.

Always make sure to have windshield wiper fluid. With the salt, even on not so bad days, it can be impossible to keep your windshield clean with all of the skudgy water being thrown up on your car.

Obviously, a cell phone in the car is a good thing.

I'm like CAnn, I have always lived in a colder climate, so it's sort of second nature to me.

Not sure about CT, but it's really hilly here...a challenge in the winter months (ice, snow, freezing rain)

 

[luv2nascar]

I would recommend a good set of snow tires. You put them on in December and take them off in March. Costly but they help alot in snow and ice. I would recommend a good ice melt for his driveway or sidewalk. We do not use rock salt. You can get it at Lowe's, Walmart or anywhere.

Depending on how much walking to car and work the good pair of boots may be needed. I would get a real good snow shovel too. He may need flannel pjs and slippers for in the house since he's not used to the temps.

 

[crazyme5kids]

Drive slower in snow and icy conditions, don't slam on your brakes or make sudden fast turns of the steering wheel. People around here have a tendency to go much faster than they should in bad weather.

 

[honeymom]

what part of connecticut? I used to live in Wilton, which is in Fairfield County.

Car & snow - learn to drive with antilock brakes - most cars have them now. If you have one and it is slippery - keep applying pressure to the brakes (do not tap as you would on the old type of brakes). The brakes use a computer system to adjust and prevent the wheel from locking and going into a skid.

Carry a can of spray on deicer. They usually have a scraper end. You spray, then you scrape. A larger scraper may be useful to keep in the car, too. Always carry a cell for an emergency.

Clothing - You may layer - but the chances will be good that you won't be removing too many layers. Get a heavy coat, waterproof gloves and a good hat that covers the ears. Also, heavy socks may be in order.

I only wore boots if there were several inches (i.e. 3 or more) on the ground. Yes, you would change shoes at work.

Depending on where you are, if it is really snowing you will go home early, or not leave home until the plows have come around.

So far, they are having a pretty mild winter. I don't think they got much snow last year (murphy's law - 3 horrid winters and then we move to Arizona and it snows in Arizona and doesn't snow in Connecticut - go figure).

 

[momrek06]

I live on the MA/CT line. I am actually EXIT 1 in the State of MA with CT being EXIT 100! I live in South Central MA which abutts Northeast CT. My DH is from CT. My IL's live in Northeast CT on a 100 acre farm.

CT is a beautiful state. My DH is a graduate of the University of Connecticut.

Yes, it gets cold here but just like the entire NORTHEAST. Yes always keep a scraper in your car. Yes and shop at LL BEAN and LANDS END to buy your layers. The Spring and Summer is as well fabulous. From the coast to the fun of Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods. The Fall is another wonderful time of year. So much foliage. There are as many Malls here as there are anywhere.

Good luck to your DS. I hope the move goes well and he loves CT.

 

[iggbees]

the one thing i asked for from my parents for christmas was long johns!! haha!

i couldn't stand walking around in the bitter cold anymore without long underwear though. they help so much!

i always keep a scraper and brush in my trunk, one of those telescoping handled shovels, de-icing windsheild washer fluid, a blanket, and some water (in case i break down and can't get somewhere for a couple of days, which luckily hasn't happened yet).

i've got water tires on my car, the ones with the huge grooves. they aren't snow tires, but they are really good in the snow regardless.

we've really been lucky this winter so far, the most snow we've had in western mass is 1/4 in.

 

[Daxx]

Keep some granola bars in the glove box in case you get stuck somewhere for awhile. When we had a big, sudden, freak blizzard here a few years back, some people were stuck in their cars for hours (even overnight). However, blizzards don't hit all the time and we've gone years w/o having one.

Two of my "must have" winter staples include long johns (which, I swear, I wear from Oct. til May) and thermal socks (my feet are always cold).

 

[ckret01]

I would make sure the car has good tires, front wheel drive or an SUV.

I would also invest in an automatic car starter, best invention in the world. Mine cost about $100 and that included installation. I start my car 15 minutes before I leave my house and my windows are defrosted and the car is warm by the time I get in it.

 

[mommaU4]

I shake my head because this reminds me of myself about 2 years ago when we moved from Burbank, California (where I grew up) to Northern Michigan.

So much of what we learned was by trial and error. But a few things I can think of are.....

For the car:
We use snow tires. So much better than just all season. We put them on at the first sign of snow and take them off in March or April. (usually April)

A brush with an ice scraper.

A spray bottle of De-icer. Also my DH puts some windshield fluid in that has de-icer in it. It works wonders.

We have heavy duty rubber mats on the floor of the car that have ridges in them for when you get in with snow on your boots and it melts onto the mats not the carpet. (Sam's Club)

We also have windshield wipers that are made for snow. They are more heavy duty. (Sam's Club)

Also a small jug of ice melt. And if you have room in the car, a small shovel in case you end up stuck in the snow, which we have.

Another thing is we keep snacks in the car (trail mix, granola bars,) and DH keeps a change of clothes in case he ever is at work and can't make it home. (We live out in the country, far from his work)

A cell phone for emergencies.
Keep a full tank of gas.
Have some kind of road side service such as AAA.

OH! And we had a remote starter installed in our car. It was only about $200 and it was so worth it! We can be inside getting ready and turn the car on from in the house, and by the time we are ready to leave it's warm and toasty inside and all defrosted.

For his person:

Boots, preferably ones where the liner can be removed so if it gets wet inside, you can take it out and dry it. (and my DH carries his shoes with him and changes them at work)

A scarf
Gloves (go for warmth, not fashion)
A winter jacket
A hat or those Ear Grips for men

And it's good to dress in layers.

I always tell my DH to never go anywhere without being prepared to walk. Even if you are in the car and only going from point A to point B, you never know if you will break down and have to hoof it, even a short ways in the snow.

Having said that, most of the stores and businesses here are kept warm, so be prepared to take off most everything once you walk through the door! LOL


I guess that's about all I can think of for now.

It took some getting used to for us. Actually let me rephrase that. My kids love the snow!

Me? Well, not so much. That's why this summer we are packing up and moving to Vegas.

Best of luck to your DS!!

 

[wardfamily1]

I agree with the car starter. It's a must have cold climates, especially if you don't have a garage.

Always make sure you have windshield washer fluid on hand. If CT is anything like MI, there is a lot of salt on the road in the winter, which means constant dirty windows. I always keep a couple of bottles in the trunk for winter months.

And under NO circumstances do you ever put hot water or salt on our windshield to get the ice off!! It will shatter immediately. I know people who have done both because they did not know any better.

 

[mommaU4]

i always keep a scraper and brush in my trunk, one of those telescoping handled shovels, de-icing windsheild washer fluid, a blanket, and some water (in case i break down and can't get somewhere for a couple of days, which luckily hasn't happened yet).

We had a water bottle in the car once over night. It froze!!

So I guess that depends on your temps. Of course tomorrow we are supposed to have a high of 14 degrees with snow showers.

 

[Disney Doll]

It's been a relatively mild winter here. Generally, you need an ice scraper with brush for the car, a cell phone charger for the car. As far as layers...if he's going to be working outside then he nedds lots of warm layers. If he has an office job, he'd probably just need a warm overcoat. Gloves, scarf, earmuffs of some sort for really cold days. Boots if there's a lot of snow, but in general most of the cities do a decent job of snow removal. Generally if there is a snowy day, I wear my boots in to work, but by the time I get out of work, the snow has been removed well enough so I don't really need them. I work as a nurse. Again, if he does an "outside" job, then layers and boots become more important.

 

[tw1nsmom]

I want to second what a previous poster said about getting warm outerwear/layers from landsend/llbean. I have the Squall parka and most winter days I keep it unzipped because it's so warm.

Warm blankets, pajamas/sweats, and slippers for around the house. He might need a shovel and icemelt (salt) if he's responsible for cleaning off his own sidewalk. Candles, flashlights/batteries, water and some nonperishable food in case power goes out during a storm could be handy.

For the car...scraper/snow brush, blanket, cell phone, snow or all weather tires, granola bars, folding shovel, kitty litter or ice melt (can use if you get stuck...for traction...they also help weigh down the back of the car a little).

His first winter will seem the coldest, but then he'll get used to it.

 

[zumbergc]

People have already mentioned it, but I'll mention it again.

If your from a warm state. You may just have water in your windshield wiper fluid container. You need to use windshild wiper fluid that can handle the cold.

The first time my husband moved up north from florida, and it was actually cold. He hit the windshield washer fluid button (he only had water in it). The water came out, and instantly froze over his windshield. Please don't leave the water in there, you could get in an accident and not be able to see if it freezes your windshield full of ice.

Good luck, A good winter coat makes a big difference. My hubby had a pitaful winter coat. Walking in the cold is horrible without an adaquate winter coat.

 

[monarchsfan16]

Everyone's suggestions are good, so let me just elaborate on the winter coat thing. A lot of companies (I personally recommend LL Bean), make what's called a 3-in-1 coat. Basically it's a waterproof shell with a fleece liner that can be zipped in and out. The fleece liner is essentially a separate jacket, which is great for the days where it's too warm for a winter coat but too cold for just a windbreaker. On colder days, you wear the whole thing put together and are extra warm. Fleece is about the warmest materials out there

 

[mommaU4]

Warm blankets, pajamas/sweats, and slippers for around the house. He might need a shovel and icemelt (salt) if he's responsible for cleaning off his own sidewalk. Candles, flashlights/batteries, water and some nonperishable food in case power goes out during a storm could be handy.

For the car...scraper/snow brush, blanket, cell phone, snow or all weather tires, granola bars, folding shovel, kitty litter or ice melt (can use if you get stuck...for traction...they also help weigh down the back of the car a little).

His first winter will seem the coldest, but then he'll get used to it.

Ah yes, I forgot the flashlight for the car. And we've lost power here so many times, , so you need some for the house. And/or candles.

It's true though, you do get used to it.

In CA we used to really bundle up if the temp dropped below 55.

Our first winter here, about half ways through after suffering through single digit temps, my mom and I were out driving one day and I looked at the temp on the bank sign and it read 38 degrees.

I said, "Hey, it's not too bad out today."
Of course then I immediately shook my head in disbelief! Who would have ever thought I'd look at a temp of 38 and think it wasn't that cold out!!!