Snow, Ice, and Safety in Williamson County
Winter in Williamson County can be beautiful, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges. As the snow piles up and temperatures drop, it’s important to stay prepared and safe. Whether you’re navigating icy sidewalks, braving the roads, or just trying to keep warm at home, winter in Southern Illinois requires a little extra care. In this blog, we’ll share some essential tips for making it through the coldest months of the year without a hitch—because no one wants to get stuck in a snowstorm or slip on the ice. Let’s dive into how you can stay safe, warm, and comfortable in Williamson County’s winter weather.
Stay Informed
Stay informed – Remain alert to changing weather conditions and listen to the advice of local officials. Follow Swinford Media Group, KFVS12 and other local news sources for live weather alerts and warnings. The Winter Storm section contains advice for what to do before, during and after winter storms.
Bundle Up, But Keep It Smart
While we all enjoy looking stylish, staying warm is far more important than your outfit. Be sure to wear multiple layers for optimal insulation. Start with a thermal base layer, followed by a sweater or fleece, and finish with a waterproof jacket. Don’t forget to protect your extremities with gloves, a scarf, and a beanie—frostbite is never fashionable. Additionally, if you have boots with good traction, make sure to wear them, as ice can be deceptively slippery. Stay safe and warm!
Drive With Extra Caution (If You Have To Drive)
Okay, so full disclosure: winter driving in Williamson County isn’t always a blast. With all the snow and ice lately, roads can get pretty sketchy. If you absolutely have to drive, take it slow and make sure your car is ready for the weather. Have a winter emergency kit with things like extra blankets, snacks, and a charger (because you know your phone will die at the worst possible moment). Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid freezing, and always clear off your windshield and windows completely. Don’t drive if you don’t need to—better to stay home and binge some of your favorite shows anyway, right? Bring pets indoors. If they can’t come inside, make sure they have enough shelter to keep them warm and that they can get to unfrozen water.
Watch Your Step on the Ice
Seriously, ice is no joke. Whether you’re walking to work, heading to the store, or just grabbing coffee, watch where you’re stepping. If you can, stick to cleared sidewalks or paths. If the sidewalks aren’t shoveled or salted, take it slow and step carefully to avoid any embarrassing (and painful) falls. And remember, it’s never cool to rush—slow and steady wins the safety race.
Keep Your Home Safe
If you’re maintaining a home or just trying to keep your apartment cozy, make sure your heating is working properly. Nothing’s worse than being stuck in a cold home. Check your weather stripping around doors and windows to keep the warm air inside. And if you’re in a place with a lot of snow, make sure to clear out your driveway and walkways. If you have space heaters, be cautious with them and never leave them unattended! It is also important to learn how to protect pipes from freezing.
Know When to Stay In
Honestly, some days, the best thing to do is just chill (pun intended) inside. If the weather is super bad, the safest option is to just stay home and stay warm. It’s OK to take a snow day—do some homework, catch up on your favorite TV shows, or bake some cookies to get in the winter spirit. Plus, if you’re a social butterfly, it’s a great excuse to FaceTime your friends without feeling guilty.
Stay Hydrated & Keep Eating
Okay, hear me out—it’s winter, so it’s easy to forget that you still need to drink enough water. The cold weather can actually dehydrate you, so make sure you’re staying hydrated! Also, you might not feel as hungry when it’s cold, but your body needs fuel to keep up with those low temperatures, so don’t skip meals. A hot bowl of soup is the perfect comfort food when you’re just trying to make it through until the weather warms up. Just make sure you aways have plenty of groceries before any inclement weather hits.
Look Out for Your Neighbors
Last but not least, if you’re out and about and notice that someone is having a hard time navigating the snow or ice (or maybe they’re older or need a little extra help), consider lending a hand. We’re all in this cold-weather struggle together, so it’s always nice to spread a little kindness. Plus, you’ll feel good about it, I promise!
Stay safe, stay warm, and don’t let the winter weather get you down! It’s a tough season, but we can all make it through together—just remember, spring is only a few months away!
