How To Prepare Yourself And Your Home For Snow

The weather outside might not be frightful just yet, but there's nothing wrong with being prepared when Old Man Winter decides to show his face. And even if you live in a state with typically warmer winter temperatures, a little preparation goes a long way if the weather happens to change on you.

Luckily, there are a plethora of items you can purchase for both yourself and your home to get ready for the harsh weather months ahead. Some of these tools linger on the high end, while others are essentials you can purchase for a few bucks. If you're ready to bundle up and brave the cold, look no further than these must-have items for snowy weather.

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Snow Joe SJ-SHLV01 Shovelution Strain-Reducing Snow Shovel, $20.99 — Yes, one of the best tools in defending your home against snow is still a good, reliable shovel. Thankfully, today's shovels aren't like the ones you'd find decades ago. They're ergonomically designed and lightweight, and some are even — dare we say — stylish. This snow shovel from Snow Joe reduces strain thanks in part to a spring-assisted handle. There's even a two-year warranty in case all that shoveling creates a little wear and tear on your shovel.

Natural Rapport Pet Friendly Ice Melt, $19.90 — Even a light snow can turn roads and sidewalks into an icy — and potentially dangerous — mess, so it's always wise to have a good ice melt on hand. For those in search of an ice melt option, Natural Rapport ice melt boasts a number of benefits. It's pet-friendly, safe for concrete, metal and wood, and it's not as harmful on lawns and grass.

TRENDOUX Winter Gloves, $7.99 — With all the shoveling, scraping and salting you'll likely do this winter, protecting yourself is just as important as protecting your home. Being outside in chilly temperatures and frequently using your hands, you're going to need a great pair of gloves. TRENDOUX's winter gloves are available for both men and women, and include a thermal soft wool lining. They also feature a non-slip design that's ideal if you plan to use shovels, scrapers or other tools.

SNOWPEELER Premium Roof Rake, $174.95 — It's not just the ground that snow falls on — it's also your roof. And, unfortunately, snow is far trickier to remove from your roof than it is the ground. But this tool from SNOWPEELER was created to do precisely that. It removes snow from your roof quickly and easily thanks to a blade that cuts the snow and allows it to slide off. There's even a 30-foot extension to ensure that you stay comfortably on the ground.

Snow Joe Electric Snow Thrower, $179.98 — If shoveling just isn't cutting it, consider investing in a snow thrower. This snow thrower from Snow Joe is ideal for midsized driveways and walkways. It throws snow up to 25 feet and can clear a space in no time, ensuring that you don't have to spend an entire day ridding your outdoor space of snow.

LifeGrip Anti Slip Traction Treads, $22.99 — Snow on steps can be a nightmare — even after a light snowfall. And if you want a little extra comfort after shoveling and salting, you can always pick up a pack of anti-slip traction treads. Ideal for steps and other potentially slippery surfaces, the treads provide extra foot traction. They also create a waterproof bond to surfaces, so you don't have to worry about the treads shifting.

SOREL Women's Caribou Waterproof Boot, $67.60 — To guarantee that your feet stay warm and dry in the snow, you'll need an extra-reliable snow boot. SOREL's Caribou waterproof boot has a number of advantages that make this boot a worthwhile option. It has a waterproof outer shell in nubuck, waterproof construction with sealed seams, 2.5 mm anti-freeze insert in the midsole and much more.

Super Absorbent Indoor Mat, $19.99 — Once it snows, it's all too easy for those wet boots to transfer mud and water into your home. To keep your floors dry, be sure to use an indoor mat capable of absorbing all that moisture. Refetone's super absorbent indoor mat is able to scrape off dirt, water, grit, mud, slush, sleet, rain and snow. The mat comes in four different colors, so you don't have to sacrifice looks for practicality.

3M Indoor Window Insulator Kit , $14.91— If it's snowing outside, it's likely quite cold. And to guarantee that cold air stays right where it belongs, be sure to insulate your windows. Using a combination of heat shrink window film and Scotch Window Film Mounting Tape, the 3M Indoor Window Insulator Kit keep cold drafts out and warm air in.

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