Don’t panic. Wear a sweater.

I think it’s safe to assume this morning that groundhogs around the United States are seeing their shadows.

With six more weeks of winter to look forward to and one school snow day behind us, February is shaping up to be a good month. I am a fan of winter, having grown up in New Hampshire. It’s actually amusing to see the reaction to a New Mexico winter dusting.

We are not a state that is prepared to deal with extreme winter weather. Our idea of accumulation is if we have to dust snow off our boots before we go in the house — then it’s time to close down schools, courts and any other business that is funded by federal, state or city governments.

I’m not complaining about it. Who doesn’t appreciate a snow day? As a college junior, I still react with the same giddy, second-grader excitement when I have a day off from school. My frustration only shows up when I am trying to navigate around town in my car, and dealing with a lot of people who have no idea how to handle a little snow and ice on the ground.

Winter weather can be dangerous, and if you are unprepared for it, it can be deadly.

My father taught me to act in the spirit of over-preparedness. I have a blanket, flashlight, portable radio, tools and other winter accoutrements at the ready in my car.

It’s important to be ready for extreme winter weather, especially in a state where weather changes happen as frequently as UNM’s tuition increases.

Although you can have the good driving sensibilities necessary for snowy and icy roads, other people are not so savvy in winter conditions.

Pay attention to other drivers. Let me repeat that; pay attention to other drivers. There are actually people on the roads who don’t understand how ice works, and think they can hit the pavement on a brutal winter day at summer speeds. Guess what?

Here’s one last little tidbit of information aimed specifically at my fellow females. When it’s cold, you can wear clothes that are suited for cold weather. It’s just not fashionable to look like you are painfully cold.

I guess we’ll see how accurate the groundhog’s prediction is for the next weeks. Until then, stay warm, stay safe and be prepared.
Winter is a wonderland, as long as you know what you’re doing and how to enjoy it.