In the early weeks of March there were been numerous mini-snowstorms that slowly added to the heaping mounds that lay around.
On campus, there are six parking lots for students to keep their cars. Between the parking lots of Pondside I, II and III and the commuter lots, the Winchester lot is the largest in terms of space.
While winter may be coming to an end, New Englanders are advised to stay prepared in future years.
Campus Safety Officer, Brendan Bosquet, provided a list of necessary things to remember in the flurry months. The first place to start is in the car. When one first approaches another’s car, the first site tends to be snow engulfing the car as a whole. Bosquet stated before someone starts to drive their vehicle, they should make sure all the snow is removed off the car.
Eric Jedd / Equinox Staff
Bosquet added making sure mirrors, windows, roofs and hoods are clear will ensure visibility and deplete the amount of snow suddenly falling off in any way. He stated removing snow from headlights, taillights and license plates can help keep the car as safe as possible.
Bosquet advised checking antifreeze, cleaning battery posts, inspecting spark plug wires and inspecting brakes are things to keep an eye on when it comes to the car’s physical well-being.
Another component Bosquet added was to check the engine oil and tire pressure. Bosquet stated that by switching to a thinner grade of engine oil, there is a greater chance for a better performance in the cold.
AAA is the American Automobile Association of Northern New England. The organization has services that may assist people during the winter.
AAA disclosed on their website that proper maintenance to keep a car in top condition is not only checking the individual aspects, but knowing when to check them as well.
AAA detailed checking tire pressure should happen biweekly and checking belts and hoses should happen with every oil change. In addition, brake inspection should happen every 5,000 miles. AAA added that oil changes should occur every 3,000 to 10,000 miles.
Heather Madden, student at KSC, stated this year she had a blanket, a flashlight and jumper cables in her car in case of emergencies. She also checked her engine light on her car as precaution due to cold affecting the starting and functioning of the vehicle.
Bosquet agreed with Madden that checking the car is important but not the only aspect— being personally prepared is important as well.
Bosquet added having emergency blankets, roadside flares, flashlights or headlamps, a charged cellphone and numerous emergency services are items students should always have with them or located in their trunk.
Jay Sahasakmontri, a KSC sophomore, said he keeps jumper cables, a flashlight, and roadside flares in his trunk at all times.
Similarly, sophomore Scott Munroe stated he keeps extra clothing and shoes, alon with flashlights in his car. Both Sahasakmontri and Munroe agreed keeping their cars packed with essentials is a priority on their to-do list.
Bosquet said while driving in winter, it is likely cars will get stuck at some point. He added to make sure there is a shovel, bag of sand or cat litter and salt in the car to help get out of sticky situations.
The shovel does not have to be a massive metal one, but can be a simple retractable model.
He said the shovel should be kept close due to the increased amounts of snow that occur in Keene, N.H.
Haley Erdbrink can be contacted at herdbrink@keene-equinox.com