For example, Car--should I change the tires for snow condition?
clothing--what kind of outer jacket? North Face is too expensive? Does it worth the price ? Any better option?
Boots--What kinds and what brands.
I need to drive about 45 hours total,so I want to well prepare for keeping me safe on the road in the bad weather?How to prepare to have a safe trip to cold area like Michigan in February?Clothing- Bring enough to layer.
Boots- Snow boots that are waterproof.
Misc.- Shovel, snow brush, charged telephone and the number for Michigan State Patrol, gloves, hat, water, food, map and or gps and some flares.
The amount of water and food should be based on where you are going in Michigan. If you are staying in the lower mainland area you won't need more than a bottle or two and a bag of chips or such. If you are going to the upper peninsula or upper portion of the mainland, especially off of I-75, you should bring at least a two gallons of water and enough food for a day or two.
The MOST IMPORTANT thing you can do is CHECK THE WEATHER CONDITIONS BEFORE YOU LEAVE! The second most important think is for you to have your phone charged and the number of the Michigan State Patrol just in case you need help. Also, brands don't matter. As long as the boot, gloves and winter coat are at least water resistant it is irrelevant who makes them.How to prepare to have a safe trip to cold area like Michigan in February?Clothing: Best to wear layers. For example, t-shirt, flannel shirt, and coat should be enough on most cold days. You don't need an expensive coat to keep warm. In addition, fleece is a material that will keep you very warm if it gets extremely cold. I live in Chicagoland and it doesn't usually get extremely or brutally cold around here for long. Most days are what I'd call %26quot;normal%26quot; cold, winter weather, with temperatures in the 20's or 30's in the daytime. I usually wear a long-sleeve shirt, jeans, gloves, and a warm coat with a hood. It's important to cover your head to help retain heat. Brand isn't as important as comfort and durability. Make sure any boots you buy are comfortable and that you can walk around in them without any discomfort.
For the car, you may or may not need snow tires depending on the amount of snow the area you are traveling to receives and how well the area is plowed. I don't have snow tires on my car. Chains aren't needed unless you're traveling in a mountain area. For safety purposes, make sure you have a good battery and that you check your car out before traveling. Keep the gas tank at least half way full at all times. This will help prevent your gas line from freezing. Make sure you have enough windshield wiper fluid and antifreeze in your car. Take a blanket, flares, first aid kit, flashlight and batteries, some extra food and water, snow shovel, and snow brush/ice scraper, and lock de-icer with you in the trunk. Always have your cell phone (and charger) with you so you can call for help if needed. Some good maps and directions can also help you out.
Always remove the snow from all of your windows, tail lights, headlights, and license plate before driving. Many people don't do this and you're risking an accident if you can't see or be seen by other people on the road.
