Now Is When You Should Be Preparing For Winter In Upstate New York

No matter how many Halloween decorations you put in your yard or pumpkin-spiced lattes you drink, there are two simple yet inevitable truths that we all need to accept in the Empire State. It doesn't matter if you like it or not; we're going to pay a ton of taxes, and winter is coming.

Even after the amazing summer we had in 2025, it can't last forever, and just like the taxes, it's best to deal with it and prepare now instead of letting it catch us by surprise. It would be funny if it weren't so sad, that winter comes every year and we act surprised when it smacks us right in the face.

So, since we know the snow and cold are on the way, instead of letting it catch us by surprise, the smart thing for all of us to do is to prepare for it right now.

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If you took anything away from the last three winters, it has to be: if you stay ready, you won't need to get ready.

Since the federal government is shut down with not many prospects of opening anytime soon, it's a good thing that the Empire State is fully functional and offers several good times to make sure we're all ready for a weather emergency. The State of New York and several not-for-profit organizations, like the American Red Cross, have created resource lists of steps and items to make sure you have on hand to be able to adequately prepare to survive an emergency in the winter.

The National Weather Service, CDC, and the US Department of Homeland Security also provide guidance and resources, but you may not be able to rely on those in an emergency.

So, making sure you're ready for snow and prepared to survive on your own for a few days if there is an emergency, and it creates a situation that would keep first responders from getting to you right away, is key.

After an emergency, you may need to survive on your own for several days. Being prepared means having your own food, water and other supplies to last for several days. A disaster supplies kit is a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency.
-US Department of Homeland Security

I remember vividly how long we were stuck inside during the Buffalo Blizzard of 2022 and how much trouble I would've been in if I were prepared.

You should start making sure you're ready today as well, because winter is coming sooner than you think.