Posted by Blueink_TN on 2/9/10 12:42pm
Msg #322068

Biting the bullet!

Having moved from CA, I never had to deal with anymore than just having to hit my wipers once or twice before pulling out of the driveway. With this last snow storm here in TN I feel I need to just get used to driving in this stuff, so I accepted a signing for this evening. When confirming the appt with the borrower I asked about her road condition. I had to smile as she remarked so matter-of-factly "oh don't worry, my husband has a winch on his truck...". I will definitely bring my boots!!

Reply by LisaWI on 2/9/10 12:59pm
Msg #322071

LOL, welcome to the White World. And as you will find out, there is a big difference between driving in these conditions in a city setting where they keep the roads cleared and driving in a rural area where maybe the snow plow hasnt made it thru yet. Its easy for someone to say they got snow and everything is fine when all they travel in is the city or on major highways. So be careful, you just never know exactly what the road conditions may be on some of these closings out in the boonies.

Reply by Glenn Strickler on 2/9/10 1:20pm
Msg #322075

That's because you lived in the flatlands. You should see some of the snowfall amounts in the higher country. I haven't chained up in years until last year. I have had to do it several times the past couple of winters to complete some jobs. ..... I almost forgot how ...

Be careful out there ....

Reply by LKT/CA on 2/9/10 5:45pm
Msg #322121

<<<Having moved from CA, I never had to deal with anymore than just having to hit my wipers once or twice before pulling out of the driveway.>>>

Depends on what part of CA you lived in. I live near the mountains - Mt Baldy to be exact, beautiful snow capped mountains. There are plenty of places in Southern CA that snow and roads are shut down, try the Cajon pass (i.e. 15 freeway North towards Las Vegas....no snow chains - no go. When it rains, there are terrible floods and mudslides....the last one in La Canada/Flintridge destroyed homes.

"Hitting the wipers" may not be enough in SOUTHERN California.

Reply by Susan Fischer on 2/9/10 10:15pm
Msg #322167

Yes, boots. And, keep a blankie in the back seat,

get some of those hand warmer thingies from the sporting good store, and I used to keep some non-perishable food in a little lunch box, and water.

Turns out, they come in handy as a shirt on a pocket when a great big truck runs a little Subie off a lonesome road, and over the bank, and stuck almost buried. I turned everything off except the hazard lights, and after 9 short hours, a farmer came by - saw the snow blinking red, and saved me.

M&Ms can last a looong time...

Stay safe and warm all.

Reply by jba/fl on 2/10/10 7:17am
Msg #322176

Re: Yes, boots. And, keep a blankie in the back seat,

Thank God it wasn't a nurse (thinking of your Misery)!

I will add to your list: first aid kit with a tourniquet, headlight (for your head), spare gloves and socks as well as spare set of clothing and shoes, and a good book. It always seems that if you have a good book, nothing goes wrong. And a knife, nice and sharp. Everytime I get an oil change, I check my emergency provisions....a holdover from an very cautious dad (thank you Daddy).

Reply by Susan Fischer on 2/10/10 1:44pm
Msg #322252

BIG flashlight and batteries (to read by). When I was

a stewardess in the olden days, we had to carry (at all times) a flashlight, knife, and whistle. I've carried that over to my glove box. A nice, LOUD whistle.

And, flares. Can't forget flares. (Thank you Daddy-O, who always knows best and always keeps my batteries checked and charged.)

(Jules, <laughter> no kidding. Just saw it again the other day - so I've started calling Dad 'Mr. Man' when he gets cranky.)

Reply by jba/fl on 2/10/10 2:24pm
Msg #322259

Re: BIG flashlight and batteries (to read by). When I was

Since I am always ready to go paddling, it is easy to forget that whistle - have 3 in car at all times in case anyone wants to join me on the water - a Coast Guard requirement. I thought about the flares, but how are you to dig out of being buried partially to set off flare?

That's funny you just watched again...am reading Stephen King's On Writing, A Memoir of the Craft right now so all his stuff is so on top of my brain.