I am at the point where I just have to laugh with all the snow that we have had this year in Virginia--otherwise I would cry! The Washington D.C. metro area, which includes suburban Virginia and Maryland, usually gets a couple of light snows, but rarely anything like what we have gotten this year.

The evidence is anecdotal, but it seems to me that the years that we  purchased or upgraded our snow blower were years that we got little or no snow

So here is a list of things that you should do to prepare for NEXT winter. I can almost (but not completely) guarantee that if you do all these things, you will notice a significant reduction in  the amount of snow we see next season:

1. Buy the biggest, strongest snow blower that you can find
   
2. Buy extra engine oil for the super strong snow blower
   
3. Keep the gas can stocked and  in a safe place
   
4. Stock up on snow shovels; all types. Replace any shovel that looks at all decrepit or prone to breaking.
   
5. Buy one of those plow-style snow movers (they look like a big, square plastic sled with wheels at one end).
6. Find one of those nifty ice-choppers (I just used  one to break up the 2 inches of ice that had settled on my driveway). A friend from Buffalo told me about it and it has been a god-send!
   
7. Keep plenty of pet-safe ice melt around
8. Always keep plenty of hot chocolate available
9. Get that emergency generator that you have been coveting (and see #3)
   
10. Make sure you have a battery operated radio (and spare batteries)
11. Have flashlights on hand with batteries to put in them
    
12. Keep extra windshield wiper fluid on hand to restock after a storm
13. Check the pet food and make sure you have enough on hand
14. Don't let prescription medications get below one weeks worth of medication
15. Make sure all family members are outfitted with warm, well-fitting coats, snow pants, boots, scarves, mittens/gloves and hats. Check them in October and buy them then for best selection in both color and fit.
16. Buy a variety of sleds and saucers so that you can have fun in the snow, too!
    
17. Get your cars in for service, check tires and battery, and make sure they always have gas before a possible snow storm.
    

Most years in the D.C. Metro area will not require any of these items...except maybe the warm coat, hat and gloves. This winter we have used them all and gone out for restocking once or twice. I am sure I have left things off of the list, but those were the items that came to mind this morning as we prepared for our latest snow storm.

All kidding aside, next fall when supplies are plentiful, consider purchasing the items on my list. If you stock up early, besides being well-prepared for any snow emergency, you will almost ensure that the rest of us don't have to deal with a snow storm next year. And we will all thank you!

Stay safe and warm!