Driving in Idaho's Winter Conditions

Photo: Unsplash   Idaho's breathtaking landscapes transform into a winter wonderland during the colder months. However, with heavy snowfall and icy roads, the beauty of the season brings its own set of challenges, especially for drivers. Navigating these wintry conditions requires caution, preparation, and an understanding of crucial safety measures. Here are some essential tips to ensure a safer drive when facing heavy snow and ice in Idaho.   1. Prepare Before You Go Check Your Vehicle: Ensure your vehicle is winter-ready by examining tire tread depth, battery health, brakes, lights, and fluids. Equip your car with winter essentials: an ice scraper, snow shovel, blankets, extra clothing, and non-perishable snacks. Four-wheel or all-wheel (4x4 and AWD) vehicles are recommended in areas with dense weather patterns, but are not required. With good tires and knowledge of how to drive in winter conditions, most commutes will be fine as long as the roads are prepared accordingly. Plan Your Route: Before setting off, check the weather forecast and road conditions. Consider alternate routes and inform someone about your travel plans, especially if driving through remote areas.   2. Drive Cautiously Reduce Speed: Slow down! Driving at a reduced speed provides better control on icy roads. Accelerate and decelerate gradually to avoid skidding. Maintain Distance: Increase your following distance to allow for longer stopping distances. It takes longer to stop on icy roads, so maintain a safe space between vehicles. Use Low Gears: When driving downhill, use a lower gear to reduce the risk of skidding. This can help maintain control of the vehicle without relying solely on brakes.   3. Practice Safe Maneuvers Brake Carefully: Apply brakes gently to avoid locking up the wheels. If your car has an anti-lock braking system (ABS), maintain steady pressure on the brake pedal. Steer Smoothly: Make gradual steering movements to avoid sudden jerks or overcorrections, which can lead to loss of control on slippery roads. If you do slide, turn your wheel in the same direction as the slide to gain control and gently correct. Stay Vigilant: Pay attention to changing road conditions. Bridges, overpasses, and shaded areas are prone to ice formation, so be extra cautious in these areas.   4. Be Prepared for Emergencies Carry Emergency Supplies: Pack a first aid kit, flashlight, extra batteries, and a charged cellphone. Consider carrying sand or kitty litter to improve traction if your vehicle gets stuck. Know What to Do if Stranded: If stranded, stay with your vehicle, as it provides shelter. Run the engine sparingly to conserve fuel and periodically check the exhaust pipe to ensure it's clear of snow to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.   5. Stay Informed and Updated Stay Connected: Listen to local radio stations for weather updates and road condition reports. Use smartphone apps or websites that provide real-time traffic and weather information. Respect Road Closures: If authorities advise against travel or roads are closed due to hazardous conditions, heed these warnings. Safety should always be the priority. Driving in heavy snow and icy conditions demands caution, preparation, and adaptability. By following these safety tips, you can significantly reduce the risks associated with winter driving in Idaho. Remember, it’s not just about reaching your destination—it’s about arriving safely. So, buckle up, stay vigilant, and enjoy the winter wonderland that Idaho offers while staying safe on the roads!

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Transition your Christmas Decor into Winter Decor After the Holidays

The holidays are over and we all might have a little hangover from the flurry of activities and holiday merriment. One step to transition back to ‘normal’ life after the holidays is to take down all of the festive decor. With a couple more months of winter ahead, it seems like a stark change from holly jolly to nothing. Here are a few tips to ease that transition, and give your holiday decor a little more shelf life, allowing them to transition into the New Year and maintain that cozy feeling in your home until the spring blooms!  Declutter and Neutralize:   Most people feel the urge to organize and declutter after Christmas. Sometimes all that extra decor can feel overwhelming. While vibrant reds and greens are quintessential Christmas colors, swap out that nostalgic holiday palette for neutrals and plaids that will seamlessly blend into January. Declutter anything quintessentially ‘Christmas’… The reindeer, snowmen, nutcrackers, ornaments, Santas, etc.  Streamlined Exterior Lighting: There is nothing more timeless than that dreamy warm white perimeter lighting, where every bulb is perfectly in line with the next. For the time and effort these take to install, these can be kept up for a high-end look that you can pull off throughout the new year.  Photo Source: lightsoveratlanta.com  Keep the Natural Winter Greens:  Greenery is the best way to keep color and add warmth. If you’re up for it, keep the garland, wreaths, and winter stems up… the best way to pull this off is to remove any of the Christmas adornments like bows, ornaments, and bells. To top that, strip your Christmas tree and leave it bare. There is something so rustic and cozy about a bare tree and the smell of a genuine evergreen might be the most nostalgic scent of the season. Photo Source: myscandanavianhome.com Photo Source: nadinestay.com Photo Source: westelm.com   Introduce Natural Materials:  Shift from ‘Christmas’ to ‘cozy ski lodge’ by introducing natural materials such as wood logs, pinecones, and cozy fur/knit textures. The Santa decor might come down but the lumber is welcome to stay into spring. It adds a rustic touch that's sure to liven up any entryway, front porch, or living room. Photo Source: Virginiamacdonald.com  Photo Source: Digsdigs.com Photo Source: forthehome.blog

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5 Events in Boise & Beyond January 5th - 7th

                        Photo Credit: Erik Karits via Pexels 5 Events in Boise & Beyond 1. Winter Birding at Kathryn Albertson Park Where: 1001 S Americana Boulevard When: Sunday, January 7th Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM EVENT DETAILS HERE   2. Painting with Penguins at Zoo Boise Where: 355 Julia Davis Drive When: Sunday, January 7th Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM EVENT DETAILS HERE   3. Western Idaho Fly Fishing Expo Where: Expo Idaho When: Friday & Saturday Time: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM EVENT DETAILS HERE   4. Boise Co-Op: First Friday (and Saturday) Where: Bogus Basin When: Friday & Saturday Time: 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM EVENT DETAILS HERE   5. Pub Chess at the Handlebar Where: 1519 W Main Street When: Saturday, January 6th Time: 4:00 PM EVENT DETAILS HERE    

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