Here Are 12 Things You Better Have If You Want To Survive In Nebraska

Here in Nebraska, we're known for our tough pioneer spirit and our self-reliance. We're prepared, we're dependable, and we take what comes at us with grace. If you're going to thrive in Nebraska - whether for a visit or for life - you should have a few basic tools to get by.

1. A Vehicle

Nebraska is a pretty big state - and with 2/3 of our population living in just a few metropolitan areas, that leaves a whooooooole lotta empty space. If you never want to leave your small town you'll be able to get around on foot, but if you want to commute or need to buy groceries you'll definitely need a vehicle.

2. A Winter Survival Kit for That Vehicle

When you drive in the winter, chances are pretty good that you'll get bogged down in snow, slipped up on ice, or you'll run across someone who needs help. At the very minimum you'll want to keep an emergency kit of sand or kitty litter (it adds weight to smaller cars and can provide traction when spread under your tires if you're stuck), a small snow shovel, extra gloves, a blanket, and road flares/emergency triangle.

3. Jumper Cables and a Spare Tire Kit

With all those wide open expanses, it's inevitable that you'll either run into car trouble or happen upon someone having car trouble. Even if you aren't a mechanic, at least keep a set of jumper cables and a spare tire kit in your car at all times to deal with the most common car troubles.

4. A Sense of Adventure

If you want to keep yourself entertained in Nebraska, you'll want to get out there and enjoy all of our awesome natural excitement.

5. A Love of History

As a state with a long and fascinating history, Nebraska has a lot of stories to tell. Even if you've never been into history or learning before, you'll want to make an exception here...it'll make you grateful to every Nebraskan who came before you.

6. Sunscreen

It seems like a lot of people don't expect the sun to be so brutal in Nebraska, but an afternoon outdoors will turn your skin crispy if you forget the sunscreen.

7. Insect Repellant

We love to spend our all-too-short summers outdoors, but swarms of mosquitoes and gnats can put a damper on the fun. Bring along plenty of bug spray and citronella candles to keep the flying nuisances at a distance.

8. A Hearty, Healthy Heating and Air Conditioning System

Can you live without AC in Nebraska? Yeah, but it'll be intensely uncomfortable. Can you live without reliable heating? Absolutely not. And in our famously unpredictable springs and falls, you'll sometimes end up using both in the same day.

9. A Sturdy Snow Shovel

Or, if you've got more than a driveway and sidewalk to clear, invest in a snowblower. You'll never regret it.

10. A Heavy Winter Coat and Lots of Layers

Every Nebraskan knows that you have to layer when it comes to dressing for the winter. It could be well below zero in the morning, in the 60s in the afternoon, and back down below freezing at night. Even in October. But having a sturdy, heavy winter coat and gloves is a must.

11. Snow Boots

A few minutes outside in the snow in sneakers - and extremely uncomfortable frozen toes - and you'll get why good snow boots are not optional.

12. A Sense of Humor

Out-of-staters will have a good time ribbing you about how there's nothing here but cows and cornfields. Just smile, laugh it off...and know that you're the one living the good life.

What do you think? Anything else you can think of that's a must to survive in Nebraska?