Just wondering how good or bad this winter weather will be like?? Hopefully a decent, not too cold/snowy one?

Depends what country you're in? I'm in Scotland, so it will probably be crap as usual. Hope it's windy though, as i'm a roofer and it's more potential work for me.

I live in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina what is winter? LOL

Last year there was basically no winter here. I am expecting snow this year. 47 days till x mas.

Got a feeling it is going to be a rough one. Think we are going to have a wetter and colder winter than usual. I am wondering if we are not going to have real earthquake issues. Think the number of deep water fish that are washing ashore suggests it.

Hopefully people are getting their winter maintenance preparations done; if they haven't already done it. Sometimes a little maintenance can save a lot of misery.

An the right disaster preparedness can save a lot of lives; more importantly yours.

My annual reminder is get a certified copy of your birth certificate and a state photo ID where you can put your hands on it and a copy in the hands of a trusted friend or relative out of area that can rush mail it to you if you need it. In an emergency it will be the gate key for shelter and other assistance programs. This goes for your kids and parents weather they live with you or not.

Before a storm if First Responders tell you to leave don't be a block head; leave. What emergency evacuation assistance that is offered first is always better than what is offered later when people start piling up you will get the floor.

AFTER a storm stay in doors until help arrives if you can. Falling trees, downed power lines, and drowning trying to walk in flood water kill more people than Mother Nature.

Get the best multi-tool or Swiss Army knife you can afford.

Have a sleeping bag. If you never plan to go camping in your life you will be glad to have one in an emergency.

If you have a pet have a shoulder harness leash ( a panicked pet will rip out of a regular collar in a second), a carrier you can carry not the biggest kennel they can play in especially if you have a child to protect also), and shot records. If at all possible chip your pet. Think how many pets you can carry before you get in a crisis situation. Think before you buy because You don't have to lose your life in a crisis because you won't leave them or not be able to care for a pet if your resources are interrupted by winter layoffs.

Get a sturdy back pack. And a rolling cart. And well fitting heavy socks and hiking boots. They don't have to be new or pretty but you will be real glad to have them because tennis shoes are not going to cut it in snow and flooded streets. Even if you have a car you may not be able to get fuel. Even if you don't have a car get a gas can.

Get a hand crank emergency radio with a cell phone charger.

Know where your emergency assistance center is within walking distance from your home and practice the route you are most likely to walk. Call 211 for this info. (Tell First Responders when you leave your jobsite or home and loved ones that might come looking for you where you will check in so limited resources are not wasted franticly looking for you.) It is not always the nearest hospital; which will probably be swamped with injured and fatalities in crisis situation.

Get smoke/carbon monoxide detector, a shut off wrench for the gas to your home, and at least one ABC fire extinguisher; it is critical for keeping your home, and you, from burning down in certain situations. When in doubt turn off electricity.

Have a covered container that is safe to burn in and something you can carry filled with water. Get a plug for your bathtub so it will hold water.

Get and learn a basic first aid book. It doesn't necessarily have to be new and are cheap at your local Thrift Store. If you can take a Red Cross class do. (A great way to meet people by the way.) Down load an AP on your phone/computer and brush up when you are bored or waiting "in line".

Create and emergency flash drive with such important things like medical records, property records, photos, and addresses. Emergency marshaling areas will more than likely be able to access these and can speed up medical an other assistance.

Have a manual can opener and 3-5 days of ready to eat food and water minimum. Have at least 5 days of essential medications at all times.

Have a tarp, 25-50 of light plastic rope, roll of heavy trash bags, bright duct tape. a spiral notebook, and pencils. In crisis you are going to be tired and stressed; write down what you are told.

Having a flash light, box of crayons, set of dice, and a deck of cards can save your sanity when the power goes out; especially with kids.

Don't buy the biggest snow shovel you can find; if you are not in shape you can seriously hurt yourself.