Car Must-Haves To Survive A Buffalo Winter

Just when you thought it might have been safe enough to put your snowbrush away for the season, a blast of winter weather blew into Western and Central New York to remind us that winter is still here for at least the next several weeks.

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If there is one thing that I learned after 3 serious snow storms this winter season, plus an earthquake, maybe it's time to make sure you have all of the necessary emergency supplies in your car and house just in case you find yourself in a bad situation.

You may need to find a way to survive for a while if you find yourself inside a broken-down car, or stuck on the side of the road because of the weather, having these things in your truck will go a long way towards making sure you're safe and sound until help arrives.

Before anything else, in Buffalo, we already know we have to keep a good-quality snowbrush in the car, along with heavy-duty jumper cables. Snow-covered cars with dead batteries are almost a given during a Western New York winter. You also always want to make sure that your spare tire and jack are in good condition. Once you make sure you have those things, don't forget to add some of these to your list:

Gloves, Extra Warm Clothes, and a Blanket

If you find yourself snowed in, or stuck in a snowstorm, having a good pair of gloves and extra winter clothes will help you stay warm until help can arrive. While you’re at it, you might as well throw in some blankets and non-perishable snacks.

An Emergency Shovel and Pickaxe

Have you ever been in a situation where you tried to turn onto a side street that hadn’t been plowed too well and you got stuck? Having an emergency shovel in your car can really be useful. You can quickly shovel that extra snow to the side and then be back on your way.

Sand, Rock Salt, and/or Kitty Litter

Just like with the shovel, if you ever find yourself on a really slick road, or stuck in some snow, throwing down some rock salt, kitty litter, or sand will help you gain some traction and get back on the move.

Flashlight and Batteries

You may find yourself in an area that doesn't have a lot of light, or it might even be pitch dark outside. Make sure you have a way to illuminate your way as your go about your travels.

Roadflares

If you're stranded on the side of the road or need some emergency help, road flares are the perfect tool to let people know where you are. You might get an extra plus for using battery-operated ones instead of the regular ones that you have to ignite.

Tool Set or Multitool

One of the things I use the most in my car is my multitool You literally never know what you are going to need to cut, screw, or interact with and good quality multitool or tool set will go quite far in helping you stay prepared.

First-Aid Kit

This item can be useful all year. We all have had cuts and scrapes that could use some antiseptic ointment and small bandages. Go ahead and grab a small first-aid kit and throw it in your trunk.

When Does It Typically Stop Snowing In Buffalo

According to the National Weather Service, most of the snow in Western New York stops in April. From time to time there is snowfall in May, but that is usually the end of it. According to records that go back to the year 1940, there has never been any recorded snowfall in June.