Five practical (last minute) tips for surviving the snowstorm

Did you hear that it’s supposed to snowa lotthis weekend in the northeast United States? Of course you have! In fact, you’ve probably stocked up on liquor/chips/cigarettes/numbers from Tinder in preparation for the cataclysmic cyclone of crystallized water bearing down on your respective metropolis.

Or, maybe youhaven’t. And, like a lot of people, you’re scramblingright nowto figure out how the hell to get through this. Take heed: You’re aren’t alone!

Now, while blizzards and other weather events that cancel flights are, indeed, serious and sometimes even tragically fatal things – seriously, don’t drive – with a positive outlook, and perhaps one or two or all five of these tips, you’ll get through the weekendjust fine.

1.You do not need foodstuffs and supplies to last days. Listen, everyone’s buying staples at the grocery store – or, let’s be honest,liquor. And that’s fine! Pad your bachelor or bachelorette pad with the caloric comforts that’ll get the dopamine cascading. You don’t need all the things, though. Think about the last storm you were through: You probably weren’t stuck for weeks without access to food or water. In fact, you probably were only stuck in your apartment for a couple of hours. So, really, you probablydon’t need more than a day’s worth of food.

2. Don’t drive unless it’s an emergency and, if you absolutely must drive, take your time.Winter weather is literally fatal, and federal, state and local authorities aren’t joking when they tell you to stay off the roads. In fact, the Federal Highway Administration says that, every year,22 percent ofall vehicle crashes, or 1.2 million,are weather-related. If, however, it’s an emergency and you need to drive, AAA has a handy winter driving tips sheet. You shouldalways call 911 if it’s an actual emergency, though, too.

3. If you venture out, dress accordingly.Exposed skin is the number one factor that affects body heat loss. In fact, The Week explained that you can even take or leave your winter hat – the old adage about losing heat through your head is, indeed, a myth – so long as you’re bundled up. Still, you ought to make sure your extremities – fingers, toes, ears, nose or chin – have protection. Fashion doesn’t matter in frigid temperatures, either. Cover up. And remember, if you do venture outside, take pictures and upload them to social media – everyone loves urban snowscapes.

4. Shovel your sidewalk.In the vast overwhelming majority ofAmerican cities, it’s the responsibility of a dwelling’s occupant or owner to maintain the front walk so it’s safe for pedestrians – like senior citizenswalking to mass transit stops – to traverse. Even if you rent, depending on your lease agreement, you might be responsible for shoveling your walk. Honestly, just do it; it’s the neighborly thing to do.

5. Practice patience in stores before the storm.So, the storm is about to hit your city, and you realize that you forgot to buy your personal care item (ahem) or favorite snack. All is not lost! Just remember that alotof other people likely have the same exact idea as you do – at the same exact time. With that in mind, walk in expecting an absurdly long line andlotsof grumpy people. Take the scene in and be grateful that you understand the line will not move quicker if you sigh audibly or act like a child in a grownup’s body.

Of course, this list isn’t definitive. And, as with all things, there exist plenty of exceptions. But, generally speaking, this ought to get you through the next 24 hours with a little strife as possible this late in the game.