winter weather safety tips

1. check the ignition, brakes, wiring, hoses, fan belts, battery, air and fuel filters, pvc valve and distributor.
2. change and adjust spark plugs and wires.
3. check tire pressure, inspect sidewall wear and tread depth.
4. check antifreeze mixture, level and the freeze line.
5. carry a properly-inflated spare tire, wheel wrench, tripod-style jack, shovel, jumper cables, tow and tire chains, a bag of salt or cat litter, and a tool kit in the trunk.
6. include a working flashlight and extra batteries, reflective triangles and a brightly-colored cloth, compass, first-aid kit, exterior windshield cleaner, ice scraper and snow brush, wooden stick matches in a waterproof container, scissors and string or cord and non-perishable, high-energy foods in a vehicle "survival kit."
7. carry supplies to help keep you warm shuch as wollen mittens, socks, cap and blankets.
8. when stranded, do not leave the vehicle unless the location of the automobile is known, how far it is to possible help, and that leaving the vehicle will improve the situation.
9. keep at least one window slightly open when stranded - heavy snow and ice can seal a car shut. if you are running the heater, carbon monoxide is also something to keep in mind.
10. soak a roll of toilet paper in rubbing alcohol and keep it sealed in a coffee can. this can be lit and used as a source of heat, then extinguished and used again later.

As a fellow resident of Texas I must put in my two cents worth. 

That is I'd take a colder climate any day.  With this reasoning - You can always put on more clothes to stay warm, but you can only take off so many and then you're still HOT .  (As well as indecent, committing a midemeanor and getting a MEAN sunburn in some very uncomforatable places......)