Given that you might find yourself driving (bugout, going to Aunt Ida's, etc) on the first week of January 2000, those of us in the snowy states should consider preparing for unplowed/unsalted roads. That brings me to the subject of chains. Even if you have a serious 4x4 (and I do), snow chains could be a vital item. I was looking through a catalogue (Sportsman's Guide 1-800-888-3006) when I saw them advertised. Cost is $30 to $60 depending on the vehicle. Seems like a sensible precaution.

-- R. D..Herring (drherr@erols.com), November 10, 1998

Answers

Thank you! I had thought of this before along with a million other thoughts of preparation but it didn't get written down to pursue later. I appreciate the reminder and the resource! Diana

-- Diana (count@416.day), November 10, 1998.

Good idea about the chains. They're common knowledge in the Upper Midwest but I dunno about the rest of the country. Studded tires have done pretty well for people in snow country too, but once you're back on concrete or blacktop they cut down gas mileage. And make quite a racket.

As for driving the first week of January -- that's cutting it too fine, isn't it? If -- just for instance -- the power's out at the gas station when you've still got 200 miles to go. Or if crossing state lines is a no-no...

-- Tom Carey (tomcarey@mindspring.com), November 10, 1998.