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Unread 01-14-2009, 10:46 PM
 
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Default Moving to Owatonna 2/2009

We are moving to Owatonna in Feb due to my husband going to a training program for his new job. We have two kids 6 and 4. We are also moving from Mississippi where there is WARM weather and very mild winters. What do I need to know about clothes for the kids and what do they wear to school?? Do I need to get snowsuits for them??? And what do I need for winter to be prepared. We are not used to snow or ice. Just the chance of winter precipitation and everything closes here. Help!!! I need all the info I can get!!
Thanks,
Mississippi Southerner
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Unread 01-15-2009, 05:37 AM
 
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Yes, you will want to get snow suits for them. Typically they will be a warm jacket and snow pants, not an all in one type deal. Kids here for the most part will wear a t-shirt, sweatshirt and pants as the buildings are heated. They then wear their snowsuits with hat, mittens and warm boots when they play outside. Luckily for you buy the time you move here all of that will be on sale.

Owatonna is a nice town. My BIL and his family live there.
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Unread 01-15-2009, 06:01 AM
 
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golfgal.... Thanks for info. It was very helpful!!! Do you have to get chains for your tires?
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Unread 01-15-2009, 08:01 AM
 
Location: Minneapolis, MN
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Originally Posted by shndouglas View Post
golfgal.... Thanks for info. It was very helpful!!! Do you have to get chains for your tires?
Nobody uses chains anymore in the metro area, I don't know about small towns, just get all-weather or special snow tires for winter. Rear-wheel drive cars, convertibles, motorcycles, fast and furious style cars with lowered suspension and low-profile tires are NOT recommended for winter driving.
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Unread 01-15-2009, 09:30 AM
 
Location: Mableton, GA USA (NW Atlanta suburb, 4 miles OTP)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by shndouglas View Post
golfgal.... Thanks for info. It was very helpful!!! Do you have to get chains for your tires?
I don't chains are legal in the state of Minnesota, at least on paved roads. They do too much damage to the road surface.
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Unread 01-15-2009, 05:17 PM
 
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Chain are illegal in MN-even in small towns. We don't normally get the ice that people get further south and if you have good tires on your car you will be just fine. The roads get cleared here very quickly, usually within 1/2 day, so getting around after a snowstorm isn't all that difficult.
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Unread 01-16-2009, 09:07 AM
 
Location: Mahtomedi, MN
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Quote:
Originally Posted by shndouglas View Post
golfgal.... Thanks for info. It was very helpful!!! Do you have to get chains for your tires?
No chains or studded snow tires are allowed in MN.

If you have all season radials and front wheel drive, all wheel driver or 4x4, you are probably good to go. Some people get snow tires which are made of soft rubber such as Blizzak. Often for rear wheel drive cars or sports cars. They work very well, but you have to take them off as soon as the snow melts or you will ruin them fast due to the very soft tread.

Before you come up, check your antifreeze, change oil to winter weight (10-30 or similar), check your battery as well. You will also want to make sure you have a little winter kit in your trunk in case you run into a problem. Typical things in there - blanket, gloves, hat, jumper cables, shovel, ice scraper, extra windshield washer fluid, fuel stabilizer, can of lock deicer, triangle deal with reflectors. Some people throw a couple bags of salt or sand in the trunk too. Helps with traction and if you get stuck the salt and sand can be spread with a shovel and potentially help you get out of a tough spot. Some will say that is overkill, but if you ever get in a bad spot, those items are great to have. Paticularly if you drive in rural areas where help could be awhile from showing up.

Typically winter driving is not that bad. It does take some getting used to, so common sense is your best friend. Take it easy and know your limits. Nice to always have at least a few days supplies on hand at the home as well. That way if it gets real bad outside, you can wait to go out until conditions are better.

Good luck with the move. You are coming towards the tail end of winter so that is a good thing.
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Unread 09-13-2009, 12:32 PM
 
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I also might be moving to Owatonna but I have no children yet. I'm not familiar with Minnesota at all but I'm living in Kansas City, so I have an idea how cold the midwest winters can get. I just need some basic information about Owatonna and are there any area's I should avoid? I can use all the information I can get. Thanks
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Unread 10-19-2009, 10:25 AM
 
Location: Mableton, GA USA (NW Atlanta suburb, 4 miles OTP)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by averageMOjoe View Post
I also might be moving to Owatonna but I have no children yet. I'm not familiar with Minnesota at all but I'm living in Kansas City, so I have an idea how cold the midwest winters can get. I just need some basic information about Owatonna and are there any area's I should avoid? I can use all the information I can get. Thanks
Kansas City winters are not really the same as a winter in the Twin Cities ... I would consider it more similar to Atlanta than Minneapolis, actually. We had freeze warnings this morning in the Atlanta metro.
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