We’ve finally dug out from last week’s polar vortex snowstorm — but it’s surely not the last of the season.
Dealing with the snow can be difficult, but there are many ways to make it better that don’t involve jet-setting off to a warmer destination.
BuzzFeed recently released a list of products to make dealing with the snow less of a hassle. We’ve noted some of our favorites below, along with a couple of our own suggestions.
Products That Make Snow More Tolerable
Snow broom – Because we all know a snow brush isn’t cutting it when there’s a foot of snow on your car. It expands up to 52 inches, which is great for shorter people trying to reach across and wipe snow off their car. This baby will save you time and energy, which is crucial when it’s below freezing and you’re trying to get to work or school.
Snow shovel with springs – A snow shovel with a spring-assisted handle will reduce the strain on your back and arms when shoveling. The comfortable, ergonomic handle also reduces the need to bend while shoveling and allows you to lift heavier loads more easily. If you struggle with shoveling, you’ll definitely want to invest in one of these shovels.
Heated ice scraper – Save time on cold mornings cleaning off your car by investing in a heated ice scraper. This smart product includes a long cord and extendable handle to make it easier to reach your entire car. It features an LED light for cleaning in the dark and heats up to 392°F, melting ice quickly with less time and effort on your part.
Tire-traction mats – If you’ve ever been stuck in the snow or ice in your driveway, a parking lot or on the road, you’ll know how useful tire-traction mats can be. When your tires are spinning but your car won’t move, these mats provide traction for your tires so that the car can be moved off of the snow or ice.
Cable tire chains – If your car struggles in the snow, you should consider using cable tire chains. These chains can be easily clipped on to your tires and claim to provide better all-around traction performance than conventional tire chains or cables. They work great on snowy and icy roads and can be very helpful when driving up and down hills in the winter as well.
Ice cleats – Turn any shoes into snow boots with ice cleats. Whether you’re walking the dog, hurrying to class or even shoveling the driveway, ice cleats will prevent you from slipping on snow or ice and injuring yourself. They fit securely on most types of shoes, sneakers and boots, making them an extremely versatile product for any type of outdoor activity.
Wireless headphone hat – Keep your ears warm while listening to music as you’re walking or shoveling with this wireless headphone hat. This unisex, weather-resistant bluetooth enabled beanie features built-in headphones and a microphone, so you can listen to your tunes or even answer phone calls without having to take out your phone and expose your hands to the cold.
Apps To Help You Face Snow In Buffalo
Outside of products, we have an honorable mention for a service that will make your life a lot easier. The on-demand snow shoveling app Yeti just launched in Buffalo, and it’s a lifesaver for anyone who needs help shoveling out their house or car. With the click of a button on your smartphone, you can schedule someone to come shovel for you while you stay warm inside. Shoveling orders generally cost between $25-$45, which can be well worth the investment when you’re injured, stuck or simply too cold to shovel.
We also highly recommend the food delivery app Skip The Dishes for those nights when you don’t feel like going out in the snow to grab dinner — just make sure to tip your driver well for navigating those snowy roads for you.
What’s your favorite product or service to make the snow more tolerable? Let us know in the comments below.