When most people hear the word blizzard, they think fun and games and getting a day off work or school. Blizzards are no laughing matter though. Last year Chicago received record accumulation which forced some people to abandon their vehicles. Days went by before even the first snow plows came through. In some areas people were literally snowed into their houses.

Surviving a blizzard in Chicago is easy if you prepare. The most important part is to go out and do some shopping before the blizzard hits. That way you have enough food, drinking water and other essentials to last a few days. Blizzards are not particularly dangerous in and of themselves, but when there are mountains of snow where there once were roads, it may be a few days before they get cleared and you are able to leave your house.

If you are on the road when a blizzard strikes, head home as soon as possible. The snow can pile up so fast around your car that you may be forced to abandon it on foot. Blizzards are also generally accompanied by high winds, leaving you exposed to the frigid temperatures which are only magnified by the high winds.