Thanksgiving is just around the corner and with it, Black Friday, shopping for the holidays, Christmas parties, and lots of fires in the fireplace. According to the National Weather Forecasting Service, Kansas City can expect near-normal snowfall ( 20″ ) in our area with near-normal temperatures with a possibility of more radical temperature swings.
And two-thirds of the U.S. will see above-average temperatures from December through February, while the Pacific Northwest and southern Alaska will likely get colder than usual. The Midwest, Northwestern states, and Hawaii should expect above-normal precipitation while the South will have less.
Snowfall and lack thereof, affect nature, people, and small businesses in different ways.
Too little snow can affect available water supplies and create water shortages, which are more important as the weather in Kansas City in the summer has increased an average of 3 degrees in the last few years and is expected to increase by an average of 10 degrees in the next 10 years. Too much snow can result in flooding as well as extended snow days for kids in school which pushes summer break more into the summer. Winter 2021-22 for Kansas City is predicted to have very warm stretches of weather followed by colder than normal cold snaps.
Buy good strong shovels
Having a foot or more of snow on your driveway makes it almost impossible to drive in unless you have a car or truck designed to maneuver in such conditions. Households with strong teen-agers keep extra shovels in the garage, putting kids to work or hiring neighborhood kids to do the shoveling for them. Having the right equipment will make the job easier. Purchase heavy-duty shovels from your local hardware store (buy local). There is nothing worse than having a shovel handle break when you try and shovel that thick, wet heavy Kansas City snow!
Keep a few bags of ice melting alternatives in the garage
Your driveway may be free from the snow but Kansas City has its fair share of ice in the winter. A little sleeting rain coupled with a dropping temperature and voila, you have ice! An icy drive or walkway is dangerous to car drivers and pedestrians. Be prepared this winter with a few bags of ice melt.
Stock up on traditional ice melt but why subject your concrete to the damage that Ice melt inflicts? Ice melt also corrodes metal and is harmful to groundwater and animals. Consider looking into the alternatives such as SafePaw, cat litter, gravel, wood chips, and straw, or other eco-friendly alternatives to sodium chloride this winter to make your way safely around the ice.
Check with your tires and your insurance company
The next time you have your oil changed, ask them to check the tread of your tires. A tire with good tread will handle the rain, snow, and ice more effectively than a balding tire. If your car has front-wheel drive, rotate your tires so the back tires, which are now the front tires, can get you through one more snow season. Call your car insurance company.
Make sure you have Roadside assistance. If not, some companies let you add it for as little as $3.50 per vehicle, if you already have a comprehensive policy. You can also get AAA. Carry the Roadside or AAA phone number and account number on your cell phone. When you need to have your car towed in the winter because you are in a ditch or had a minor accident, having the coverage and the information handy will ensure you get the help that much faster.
Keep 2-3 days of food supply
A snowstorm can hit in the middle of the night when you’re asleep. It is a good idea to keep some non-perishable food in the house so you can feed your family for 2-3 days in case there is a major snowstorm. Stocking up on canned goods, powdered milk, and other non-perishables will get you through the next day or two until roads and schools are open again.
Hire a snowplow company today
Now is the best time to investigate hiring a professional snowplow company to remove the snow from your driveway for you when it snows. Companies that plow residential driveways in a timely fashion can only handle so many customers. Make the calls now and inquire about rates. It will be difficult to find someone to plow your driveway when there is already 6” of snow on it and you want it done right away.
Check your driveway for cracks
Water from melting snow and ice can cause a lot of potential problems for your foundation in the spring if your driveway has sunken or has cracks in your garage floors. Most kids and snowplow companies may pile the snow in places by your house inviting more water run-off in sunken places. Melting snow will seep into those voids under the concrete, causing even more sinking in the future. If your driveway or sidewalk is sunken, call our professional concrete raising company, to lift and raise your concrete before the winter rains and melting snow has the potential to cause more problems for your driveway and foundation. Concrete repair can be done up until the ground is frozen!
Kansas City is beautiful when it snows. The trees are covered white and there seems to be a sense of peace all around. Experience the peace of the season and be prepared for the snow that is coming this winter. Take the steps you need to take now to enjoy and get through the snowfall of 2021!
This article was written in 2014 and has been recently updated.