If you’re currently a Michigander, you know what to expect for a typical Michigan Winter—freezing temperatures, snow past your boots, and icy roads. If you’re new to Michigan or considering relocating to the Westside, you’ll inevitably learn what a lake-effect winter is. Regardless of your Michigan-winter-experience, there’s always forgetfulness at the beginning of the season and additional tactics to keep you warm and safe during the winter. A snowy winter has already—and is currently—hitting us this year, so if you need a hand getting through this winter, our winter preparedness guide has all the tips and tricks to help you fully prepare for your Michigan winter.
In terms of clothing, you’ll need warm winter clothing and a long parka jacket. Layering is essential in maintaining warmth! I have personally invested in a lot of turtlenecks to wear under sweaters, and it has served me well. Make sure you always have a pair of gloves, a scarf, and a hat in your car. Even if you don’t think you’ll need gloves, a scarf, or a hat that day, it’s always good to have them handy when you’re brushing snow off your car. Lastly, it’s important to invest in a good pair of snow boots. The snow can get very high very quickly on this side of the state, so make sure your boots are tall enough and well insulated. To stay extra warm, wear a thick pair of wool socks with your winter boots!
Keeping emergency materials in your car is so important during the wintertime. With temperatures reaching below freezing, cars can get faulty in the negative-degree weather. Hopefully you don’t find yourself in any car troubles this winter, but if you do, make sure you have these essentials in your trunk:
- A blanket – if your car stalls or you end up stuck somewhere in inclement weather, your heat might stop working as well. Keep an extra blanket or two in your car to keep warm in an emergency.
- A snowbrush – with frequent snow, a good, sturdy snowbrush and ice scraper are both necessary to get you and your car through winter.
- Handwarmers – these are great to stock up on at the beginning of winter. Waiting for your car to heat up after brushing it off can feel like the coldest few minutes, so having hand warmers in your glove compartment is a lifesaver in warming up your cold fingers.
- Salt – having an extra bag of salt in your car is a great idea for driving in icy conditions. Putting a bit of salt behind your tires helps them gain traction on slippery roads.
- A shovel – a big shovel might not fit in your car but having a smaller one is always a good idea. If you’re going to be gone all day at work during a snowfall, your car might get snowed-in! Having a shovel handy can help you shovel away the snow from your tires to make it easier for your car to get moving.
In addition to these winter-themed car essentials, you should also always make sure to have these items in your car during all seasons in case of an emergency:
- A flashlight—and extra batteries!
- A first-aid kit
- An extra cell phone charger
- Jumper cables
- Water bottles and nonperishable snacks.
Another thing about winter is the additional time it adds to your morning commute. You need to factor in the extra time it takes to defrost and brush off your car, shovel, and drive in bad weather conditions. During a heavy snowfall, the roads can get very slick and dangerous. Getting to your location can take a lot longer than usual, so make sure you set your alarm earlier to ensure enough time to prepare your car and drive in inclement weather. **Give yourself more time than you think you might need driving somewhere—it’s better to be early than late!
Lastly, be open to adjusting your plans accordingly during the winter. If the weather is going to be bad and you and your friends were planning on going out somewhere for the night, consider ordering food for a movie night inside instead! Safety is the priority, so don’t drive if you feel uncomfortable—odds are everyone else probably feels hesitant to drive, too. Stay safe and warm, everyone!
