It takes more than just warm clothes and patience to survive winter in Illinois. It also requires following certain unwritten rules that every resident and visitor needs to know about.

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Winter In Illinois

Typically, I don't mind the winter months. I enjoy snow, (as long as I don't have to drive in it) and I'd much rather be cold than hot at all times. My winter appreciation stops when an ice storm hits, when temps fall into negative territory, and when the wind feels like it's trying to freeze your face off.

While Illinois winters can absolutely be brutal at times, they are survivable...if you obey these five crucial, unwritten rules.

Rules For Surviving Winter in Illinois

1. Play the Layers Game 

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Wearing layers isn’t just practical; it’s survival 101. A single hoodie and a light coat won’t cut it when the wind chill makes 10°F feel like -20°F. Double up on socks, get some cozy thermals, and embrace the Michelin Man look. Fashion is optional; frostbite is not.

2. Your Car Is Your Second Home...Treat It Nicely

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Getting stranded in your car during a winter storm is a scary, but sadly typical experience.  Keep a survival kit in your car. That means an ice scraper, a blanket, a shovel, snacks, and water. (Regular car washes to remove road salt and ice are a necessity too if you want your car to survive winter in one, non-rusty piece).

3. Snow Etiquette Is a Must

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Shoveling isn’t optional, and yes, that includes your sidewalk. If you’re feeling fancy, toss some salt down. And for the love of humanity, don’t shovel or blow your snow into the street or on your neighbor's property.

4. Master the Art of Walking on Ice

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Penguin-waddling your way across icy surfaces is key to survival. Take small, flat-footed steps while slightly bending your knees, leaning forward a bit, and spreading your feet slightly. Walking this way may feel ridiculous, but it beats falling and breaking something more than your pride.

5. Accept That You Will Constantly Be Cold

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Feeling warm won't happen again until April or May, make peace with it.  Invest in blankets and a LOT of hot chocolate and coffee. (You get bonus points if you can make it through 3+ months without constantly complaining about being cold).

Here are some more important tips to surviving (and enjoying) winter in Illinois...

12 Things You SHOULD and SHOULDN'T Do When It's Below Zero in Illinois

LOOK: The most extreme temperatures in the history of every state

Stacker consulted 2021 data from the NOAA's State Climate Extremes Committee (SCEC) to illustrate the hottest and coldest temperatures ever recorded in each state. Each slide also reveals the all-time highest 24-hour precipitation record and all-time highest 24-hour snowfall.

Keep reading to find out individual state records in alphabetical order.

Gallery Credit: Anuradha Varanasi

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