We are hoping that the cooler weather that we have been experiencing this week has one thinking about winter preparedness.    Depending on which long term winter weather forecast you look at we could be in for a colder than normal winter.    As we have mentioned before there is a central core of preparedness that doesn’t change from one event to another.  The preparations you made for sheltering during a coastal storm such as food, water and medication don’t change when you are stuck in your house during a snowstorm.   The preparations you made for evacuation during a coastal storm, when required, is not different from the evacuation during a winter storm if your heater or utilities fail.  The big difference is when you are outside.   Preparing for winter one has to have adequate outerwear and the best approach is having many layers of clothing so you can adjust to the temperature differences during the day.  While layers can be created from existing clothing that were made for warmer weather, if you have to purchase new outerwear one should consider items that you can use in different weather situations, such as outerwear with zip out liners which can use for different seasons and/or a waterproof outer shell to take the place of wearing a rain coat.  It is very important to that you don’t forget warm gloves and hat.  Also like having hip boots to walk through water you need adequate foot coverage for warmth in cold weather and when you are walking in snow.    Take a few moments to get out your winter clothes and see what is usable and what needs to be updated.   Next we should start thinking about transportation preparedness.   If you take public transportation, do you know which radio station to listen to or number to call to see if they are still operating during a snow storm?   Do you have a backup plan to get to work, school or appointments?  If you use your own vehicle did you check the antifreeze in the radiator?  Is the windshield washer fluid made for winter use?  Do your tires have enough tread for driving in the snow?  Do you refill your gas tank when it gets to half full? Do you have a winter kit (shovel, blanket, etc.) in your trunk in case you break down?    Specific Preparation information is always available on North Wildwood’s Ready website – https://ready.northwildwood.com  Click on the “Be Prepared” link on the lower right hand side of the page.