5 Unwritten Rules for Surviving Winter in Illinois

It's winter in Illinois, but at the moment it sure doesn't feel like it. (Knock on wood!)

Mother Nature may be currently treating us to early Spring weather conditions, but there's one thing you can count on in Illinois, bitter cold, snow, and ice, will ravage us again soon. In fact, winter may start its comeback later this week according to the National Weather Service;

5 Unwritten Rules of Living in Illinois During the Winter

I recently had a friend move to Illinois from the southern part of the country and I realized very quickly they have no idea how to deal with cold, winter conditions.

While some of these tips may be second nature to us seasoned Illinois residents, my southern-born-and-raised friend said they have been essential to the survival of her transplanted family. Pass them on to whoever you may know that needs them...

1. Always have a shovel, a snowblower, and a salt spreader within arm's reach. If you don't, you'll be the one stuck shoveling your driveway while your neighbor enjoys a hot cup of cocoa inside.

2. Invest in a good pair of boots and a warm coat. It seems like most Illinois residents own at least two winter jackets; (myself included) A light winter jacket for chilly, but not freezing days, and a second super-heavy, makes-you-feel-like-a-marshmallow winter jacket for REALLY cold days. (P.S. Don't forget your scarf, Hat, and warm socks too, because even your ears and toes deserve a warm hug during the winter.)

3. Learn to love hot chocolate. You'll be drinking a lot of it, especially if you're stuck outside shoveling snow. Bonus points if you add a splash of peppermint schnapps.

4. ALWAYS carry an extra set of gloves and a hat in your car. You never know when you might need them, and you definitely don't want to be caught without them, like during a car breakdown, when the temperature drops below freezing.

4. Embrace the "Illinois Snow Cone." This is what I call it when the snow on the ground turns to slush, and the slush turns into a thick layer of ice. It's like trying to walk on a Slip 'N Slide covered in razor blades. The key to surviving the Illinois Snow Cone is to take small, shuffling steps, and to always be on the lookout for unsuspecting patches of ice.

A Few More Winter Survival Tips

Now that your body and mind are ready to battle truly miserable winter conditions in Illinois, here are more important things to do and remember so your home and car are battle-ready too. Preparing for Winter in Illinois

RELATED: 3 Mistakes Illinois Drivers Make During Winter Storms