I feel right at home in this glorious winter wonderland that Oklahoma blessed us with just in time for Christmas. Actual fatalities were quite low according to the news and that is truly a blessing. The roads right now are typical of Wisconsin roads throughout the winter season (Nov- March/April). Most Mays are temperate but we wait anxiously for the remaining snowbanks to melt down. Take time to enjoy the beauty of the snowscapes- they really are quite spectacular against the bright blue OK sky.
I was very proud of our members who were out in the storm rescuing people stuck in their cars. My husband spent a few hours pushing cars out of heavy snow on Christmas Eve in the 50th and May area. I saw that one of our own OKCMAR Directors, Ryan Hukill was involved in the rescuing efforts (updates were being posted on the okcrealtors facebook site)- what a wonderful example you set for all of us Ryan!
I checked the weather in my home town this morning I found that the deepest snow accumulation that has remained so far is 20 inches- less than two feet which is very minimal for December, the temperature is 11 degrees and there is no windchill today. Windchill is the effect of the wind off the Great Lakes cooling the air temperature, which means that although the temperature is 11 it can feel like -10 below to the exposed skin. Living in these frigid conditions on a regular basis makes us very prepared for a blizzard.
Many postings on our Facebook were comments that local town governments and citizen drivers seemed very unprepared for the storm. While we all won't be rushing out buying 4 wheel drives for one or two days of snow there are some very inexpensive Wisconsin solutions that drivers should consider having in their trunk during the month of December.
1) Keep a bag of generic kitty litter or sand in your trunk. This serves two purposes- weight in your trunk will decrease your chance of fishtailing on ice and spreading out the sand or litter in front of your spinning tires will help your tires get traction on ice or packed snow so you can get on your way rather than abandoning your vehicle.
2) Keep an extra pair of gloves in your trunk. I saw so many people trying to push cars with bare exposed and wet hands. When your hands are cold you are a cold.
3) Keep a gallon of drinking water & some nuts/granola bars in your trunk. When you are stranded this little bit of life support can be invaluable.
4) Keep a flashlight and a blanket in your trunk.
These are extremely inexpensive items and could make a significant difference in your winter driving experience.
Finally, Merry Christmas to OKCMAR! Hope this posting finds you all enjoying the holiday season in comfort and joy!
2 comments:
What excellent words
Dawn, thanks for the fantastic tips, that I know so many of us Okies need. I can attest to the lack of driving skill that most folks around here lack in this type of weather and appreciate the mention here, but I simply did it to help, and know many others who have the necessary skill and capable vehicle were doing the same. I also got a few laughs from the people living here who were transplanted, like yourself, who find it quite comical that we Okies struggle with it so much. Keep the great tips coming!
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