Our View: Take extra care in the cold winter

With great winters come great responsibilities, and, as the snow whipped in this week, we are reminded of just what those responsibilities are.

If you live in a city, check the overnight parking ordinances. In Cloquet, parking overnight on streets is prohibited. It doesn’t matter what the snow situation is. Keeping cars off the streets allows for faster plowing when the snow comes.

Get your car in shape for the season. It’s easy to feel invincible on the road, that you might not ever get stuck out there on some dark, blustery night because you have a cell phone. Don’t take any chances. Here is what the Minnesota Department of Public Safety recommends for total preparation on winter roads: Jumper cables, ice scraper and brush, portable shovel, flashlight with backup batteries, first aid kit, cell phone charger and adapter, pencil and paper, extra winter gear including gloves, jacket, hat, socks and boots, water, snacks such as granola bars and protein bars, hand and toe warmers, large plastic garbage bag, whistle, small candles with matches, Swiss Army knife and other basic tools, a bag of sand or non-clumping cat litter, sleeping bag or blankets, red bandanna or cloth, road flares or reflective warning triangles, and towing cables or chain.

Whew. That’s a long list. But any of those items could mean the difference between life and death.

Finally, be helpful. Does a neighbor need help with snow removal? Find an icy patch on a public sidewalk? Help out, let someone know.

If you are sticking around for winter in northern Minnesota, we know you are hardy. But no one is immune to the peculiarities of winter. If you need help, ask for it.