10 Things No One Tells You About Surviving A Pennsylvania Winter

PA’s such a big state that while all of you over in Philly might be slipping and sliding on icy streets as the snow falls, the rest of us might be stuck in deep freeze with no snow. What a winter day is like for us depends on where we live in the state. But we can probably all agree that there are some simple tips for surviving a Pennsylvania winter.

1. Keep plenty of extra toilet paper on hand.

Snow means the inevitable run on local stores for the things you simply cannot live without during a snowstorm. Like toilet paper. Save yourself the stress and just always have a sufficient supply of toilet paper on hand during the winter.

2. Be prepared for long waits at the grocery store.

You’ve got two types of people in PA. There are those who run to the store for the all-important milk and bread at the mere mention of snow and those who just roll their eyes at the thought of panicking before snow.

3. Waking up extra early just goes along with the season.

Winter just gives us so much more to do in the morning. Checking for school delays or cancellations if we’ve got kids. Defrosting the car windows. Cleaning the snow off of the car. Those lovely mornings of hitting the snooze button just one more time won’t come around again until spring.

4. You’ll feel as though your local meteorologist is part of the family.

Even if you’re just watching your favorite drama or comedy, your local meteorologist is likely to pop up on the TV screen with a winter warning. Just get used to it.

5. Always keep an ice scraper in your car and…

You never know when you’re going to come out of work, school, or the movie theater to find a coating of snow or ice on your windshield. It’s always better to play it safe than sorry.

6. Maybe a shovel.

Remember a few winters ago when countless travelers got stuck in the snow on the PA Turnpike? A shovel might not have helped then but what you never know when it can come in handy.

7. Might as well keep an extra pair of gloves and a hat in there, too.

We all know PA’s weather is finicky. That’s part of the charm of living here. Except when we’re unprepared. Keep an extra pair of gloves, a hat, and maybe even a scarf in your car just in case the mild weather turns vicious during the day.

8. Stay clear of cars covered in snow and…

We’ve all been there. The last thing we want to do on a bitter cold morning is clean off inches of freshly fallen snow from the roof of our car. But, we still do it. Not everyone does. Not only is that illegal in PA, but it puts other drivers in danger. Just steer clear of those vehicles that still have chunks of snow clinging to them.

9. Stay calm in a whiteout.

What’s the worst part of winter? Well, we probably all have our own answers. Anyone who’s ever gotten stuck in a whiteout, however, will likely attest how frightening it can be. Avoid areas that are reporting whiteout conditions, if you can. And, if you get stuck in one, stay calm. Everyone else is in the same situation as you so everyone is on high alert.

10. Have fun!

What’s the best part of winter? The fun! A good snowfall means we can relive some of that childhood magic. Building snowmen. Starting snowball fights. And, sled riding until you wear yourself out. After all, surviving a Pennsylvania winter also means having fun.

What are some of the tips you’d give to other Pennsylvanians for surviving a Pennsylvania winter? Click here to check out these nine must visit spots in PA this winter.