Regardless of the first day, Winter preparations needed

Dec. 1 is the first day of the Meteorological Winter, while the Astronomical Winter starts on Dec. 21.

So which is really the first day of winter?

Astronomical Winter is based on the tilt of the earth and begins on the Winter Solstice — or shortest day of the year, when the earth is tilted away from the sun.

For thousands of years, the two annual solstices (or shortest and longest days of the year) and the two equinoxes (or days of equal dark and light) symbolized important changes for man. But astronomical seasons are difficult to keep comparable records on, as the beginning of the astronomical seasons vary from year to year.

For that reason, the meteorological seasons were developed. Each meteorological season is three months long, with an equal number of days. In the northern hemisphere, Winter begins on Dec. 1, ends on the last day of February, and includes the historically coldest three months of the year.

Meteorological or Astronomical, each season brings different risks.

For winter, make sure you have the supplies you need on hand to survive extreme cold.

In your vehicle, these supplies should include:

• A shovel
• Windshield scraper and small broom
• First aid kit with pocket knife
• Flashlight
• Battery powered radio
• Extra batteries
• Water
• Snack food
• Matches
• Extra hats, socks & mittens
• Necessary medications
• Blanket(s)
• Tow chain or rope
• Road salt and sand
• Booster cables
• Emergency flares
• Fluorescent distress flag

For more information, contact Paula Cain, Ponca City’s Emergency Management Director, at 767-0380.