Some of you may be familiar with the original
Triangle Terms and Survival Guide:
http://www.city-data.com/forum/raleigh-durham-chapel-hill-cary/796380-newcomer-triangle-terms-survival-guide.html
Because the region has closed down today due to snow, and I have nothing better to do, I thought I would create an addendum to the original guide to address snow-related terms and survival tips. This is geared toward people who have moved here from snowier regions.
1. Snow here is different than snow elsewhere. If you know how to drive in it elsewhere, big deal, so what, who cares.
DO NOT drive in it here.
Because it snows so infrequently, the government does not spend its money on snow removal equipment and salt, so although they try their best with a slushy salt mixture they apply to the roads, if it snows, it's too dangerous for anyone to drive because the roads are still slippery.
Don't make fun of the people here about how they react to snowstorms. They have reasons for acting how they do; it's a different world here.
2. Stay off the roads unless you have an
essential job that affects lives, such as a job in law enforcement or health care. Seriously.
3. Stay home and watch the local TV meteorologists go
crazy with happiness that they can report on this rare weather event.
4. Know that every station puts reporters out on the roads, in miserable weather, so they can explain what the snow looks like, as if none of us has ever seen snow, or as if, for some reason, we are locked inside our homes and can't see it for ourselves.
The reporters always bend down, pick up the snow (videographers get the closeup), and attempt to explain what the snow is like.
The stations will report on the snow for hours on end, all the while bragging about their extensive coverage, and reporters will get very tired of explaining what snow is and what it feels like.
This morning, one reporter said, "It's white and snowy."
One news anchor (an NC native) supplied viewers with a photograph of his boot print in the slushy snow. Quite the excitement ensued! He also said his boots were new, and he'd probably wear them for three days and never again. He is probably right.
5. Realize that some TV reporters do not quite have "snow" terminology down. In the past, we've heard reporters call snowflakes "
snow drops." I've heard them say that the snow is "
pouring," instead of "falling."
6. Few TV reporters or other native NCers use the word "plow" as in "snow plow." They use the word "
scrape" or "
push."
7. While the snow is still in your yard, you or your children must absolutely make "
snow angels" and make a
snowman. This may be your last chance for many years.
8. Do
not eat the snow. Just don't.
9. Take
photos of the snow. You may not see it again for years. Keep the photos for yourself and don't send them to friends and relatives back in your home state; they will think you're crazy for sending photos of snow to them in the winter. They'll think, "Big deal. So what? Who cares? It's winter!"
10.
Always have some food in your cupboard in case of adverse weather events such as snow storms or the very rare hurricane. Just because you live around the corner from Piggly Wiggly or wherever doesn't mean you can walk there and get what you need when it snows. The employees will have no way to safely travel to the store, so it will most likely be closed.
In 2000, two feet of snow fell in Raleigh, and it paralyzed the city for about a week. You should have enough food for at least that long. Canned foods last a long time.
In preparation, be sure your supplies include
instant coffee to avoid caffeine-withdrawal headaches if the power goes out, and you can't make a cup of coffee. NCers traditionally buy milk and bread before a storm. I think instant caffeine is much more important.
If you need a refill on any prescription for the following week or so, make sure to get it before the predicted snowfall.
If you don't have a gas stove, you might want to buy a small camping stove to use outdoors. Don't forget fuel. Or use the grill you already have outdoors.
Get a
manual can opener, too.
Keep the refrigerator and freezer closed if the power is out. For tips from the CDC about surviving a power outage:
CDC | What You Need to Know When the Power Goes Out Unexpectedly Read it now, before your power goes out.
If you haven't yet bought a house here, having a
gas stove is a wonderful thing. It works during a power outage.
11. Today, because of our "big" snowstorm, the
malls and airport are closed. Everyone is encouraged to stay off the streets. Yes, I know, that's unheard of up North, where it snows regularly from November to March (sometimes October to May), but no one can handle the snow down here.
12. Do not worry about shoveling the snow. It usually
melts within a day or two. If you buy a shovel, it might be several years before you use it again. If you have an essential job, you should, however, have one on hand.
13. Do
not believe people who say you should fill up your bathtub with
water in case the power goes out. Unless you plan to take a bath, don't do that. It makes no sense. (
Note: Per the post below, this is true if you use city water. If you are on well water, filling up the tub with water in anticipation of a power outage
is a good idea.)
14. As you are well aware, if we have an ice storm, there may be power outages when the heavy ice-laden tree limbs fall on power lines. So you should always have emergency supplies ready, such as a
crank radio and
crank flashlights. You'll never have to worry about being out of batteries if you get the crank versions. They make nice gifts for your kids at Christmas.
If you can afford a
generator and have the space to store one, it's a great thing to have. Be safe and read the instructions.
15. If you are from a warmer climate and are not used to snow, and your power goes out,
NEVER use a grill in the house or start a fire that is not vented (such as in a fireplace). It is not uncommon for entire families to die of carbon monoxide poisoning from such fires.
Here are more safety tips:
Home Safety Council - Home Safety Tips for a Safe and Healthy Winter (http://www.homesafetycouncil.org/SafetyGuide/sg_winter_w001.asp - broken link)
Unvented kerosene heaters are especially dangerous. Here is some information:
How To Avoid Death From Unvented Heaters by Joel Hendon
BONUS TIPS:
a) If you expect a snowstorm, if you have a driveway, park your car(s) off the street and park them closest to the bottom of the driveway, near the street. This will reduce any shoveling you may need to do.
b) In a pinch, table salt will work to melt ice on your front steps.
Summary:
You're not in Kansas (or NJ, NY, New England, Minnesota, etc.) anymore. You're in the South. If it snows, just stay home until it melts. The life you save may be your own.
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Hmmmm? 
