Are you ready for 2014’s polar vortex?

B Jasmine Simpson

Newsflash: It’s really cold outside. Sure, you’ve got your nice warm hoodie on and your car is blaring the heater as high as it can go. Are you really warm though? Are you able to face that frigid wind for more than the half-a-minute walk from your car to the college? Chances are, your ears are ready to fall off and your nose is lighting up like Rudolph.

People, there is a way to avoid this horrid feeling. There is a way to be prepared for the cold weather and it does not just involve donning a hoodie with some sweatpants. To be truly ready, you need to plan for a walk longer than half a minute. 

For those of you who drive to school, don’t just wear your winter clothes, pack some extra in your car. You never know what passengers of yours will need it. Make sure you always have spare gloves, coats, hats, boots and blankets in case your car breaks down. Whether you have to walk home or not, you will be grateful to have extra layers keeping you warm. 

This second bit you probably don’t even need to be told. It’s always best to remember that keeping your cell phone charged is vital. Getting stranded with a dead battery in the middle of the winter has happened to many people, and the outcome was hardly ever good. Being able to instantly call someone for a ride is a privilege not many people have; use it well. 

Last of all, you should really have spare food, such as energy bars and trail mixes, stored in your car. This should be super essential when traveling home for the holidays. Having extra food means less chances of starving and freezing when your car decides to die on you. Water bottles could be packed, but it is easier to bring a new bottle every time you get in your car (this deters getting stuck with frozen water). 

Well, that’s all there is to it folks! If there is any preparation tips not mentioned above that you feel our readers should be aware of, feel free to comment below. After all, it’s better to be safe than sorry.