Something we’ve oft worried about. When the groundhog emerges from its den, sees its shadow, and scampers back down its hole, we have 6 more weeks of winter? According to the legend…for that to happen, it must be a sunny day. But, according to meteorology, a sunny day would instead denote more sunny days to follow, i.e. an early Spring.
The legend is backwards. It should be that if the groundhog emerges on a cloudy day, than we’re got more winter. A sunny day, than we’ve got an early Spring, it should be that simple.
Lets talk about the “Fear” of the groundhog. A creature so filled with anxiety, that its literally afraid of its own shadow. What kind of existence is that? One of the ways to get rid of a neurotic fear, guilt, or remorse is to be prepared. Proactively facing your life, rather than letting the dictates of Mother Nature rule the day. Winter hints.
- Stay indoors during a storm
- If you have to go outside, walk carefully on snowy icy walkways. Sprinkle some ice-melt around.
- Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow. Overexertion can bring on a heart attack—a major cause of death in the winter. Push the snow instead of lifting it.
- Keep dry. Change wet clothing frequently to prevent a loss of body heat. There is no insulating value in wet clothes.
- Drive only if necessary. If you must drive, travel during the day. Do not travel alone. Keep others informed of your schedule. Stay on main roads and avoid back road shortcuts.
- Never use a generator, grill, camp stove or other gasoline, propane, natural gas, or charcoal¬burning devices inside your home, garage, basement, crawlspace, or any partially enclosed area. Locate this kind of stuff at least 20 feet away from doors, windows, and vents that could allow carbon monoxide to come inside.
- Emergency preparedness and resiliency are the keys to your family’s safety in a natural/manmade disaster. Be self-reliant.
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