As evidenced by this news report out of Lincoln, Nebraska, and others we've seen from areas of the country getting battered by nasty wintry storms, lots of us aren't prepared to tackle snowfall until it's too late.

So if you have been spared a prewinter punch thus far but are now being targeted by Mother Nature—visit Weather.com's Storm Watch for the latest news—check your snow-fighting gear and supplies now.

Or if you're reading this while heavy snow cascades onto your driveway and walks, learn how to avoid injuries when shoveling and safely use your snow blower.

Haven't fired up your snow blower yet this season? After you do some basic maintenance on your snow thrower, try starting it. Fuel left in the tank over the summer could gum up into what's referred to as varnish if you didn't remove it. Or if your gas includes ethanol, you might face the extra complication of brittle or crusted-up components in the fuel system.

Next time you're in the market for a new snow blower, read our free buying advice and check out our latest report on snow throwers and ratings of gas and electric models (available to subscribers).

A final tip: Buy your snow blower and other winter-weather implements before the local meteorologist warns you of looming storm so you don't have to fight the crowds at your local home center, especially maddening if everything's sold out by the time you get there.

—Ed Perratore