A winter prep list for snowbirds staying home this year

PREPARE YOUR CAR FOR WINTER In many parts of the country, snowy, icy roads mean there's a need for snow tires. "In Massachusetts, we had an early warning,” Young says. “It snowed

on Halloween, so lots of people have already put on their snow tires but, if not, now's the time to do that.” If you live in an area where the temperature dips below 35 degrees,

all-season tires are not the ideal choice, because the rubber firms up and is no longer flexible enough to grip the road. Snow tires are made from special compounds that stay soft at

subfreezing temperatures, allowing the tires to grip the road. For heavy snow or ice, some drivers add chains to their tires. The laws permitting chains vary from state to state, so check

the American Automobile Association's list to see if your state allows them. Make sure your car maintenance is up to date, and that your vehicle is stocked with emergency supplies, such

as a blanket, snacks, water, a shovel, a flashlight, gloves and a hat, a snow scraper brush and a battery-booster pack. The AAA's website offers lots of resources and safe winter

driving tips. PLAN TO STAY IN TOUCH WITH OTHER SNOWBIRDS Those who regularly head south for the winter may miss the social circle they see annually. Thankfully, technology such as video

calls has made it easier to maintain friendships during the pandemic. Reach out to the people you would normally see during the winter months, whether that's by phone, email, video chat

or letters. Leah Silber of Brooklyn, New York, is in her early 80s and has decided to skip her annual trip south to her condo in Boca Raton, Florida. Silber usually flies down a couple of

times a year, and says she'll really miss time spent at the pool with friends, shopping and evening entertainment at her gated community's clubhouse. "The winters are getting

to me. I'm young, but my bones are old,” she laughs. “But I'm not going because of the pandemic — I'm just not comfortable sitting on the plane with people, or sitting in an

Uber."