There is no doubt that old man winter is here to stay for the rest of the season. If you are a new homeowner, you may feel lost about what tools you need to have in order to handle the inclement weather conditions. For those who have not already equipped your home with the right tools to battle the season, now is the time to do so. Here are five of the best tools to keep in your garage for the winter season.

Snow Blower

If you live in a place that sees a lot of snowfall, you will get a lot of use out of a quality snow blower. An electric start snow blower is easy to use without having to worry about the hassle or mess of fuel. When shopping for your snow blower, be sure to consider the size of your driveway, if you have any sidewalks or other surfaces that you need to clear, and the average amount of snow that accumulates with each weather system. You want to be able to stay on top of the accumulation so that it does not become too much to clear.

Snow Shovel

If you do not have as much surface area to clear, you may be able to get by with a classic snow shovel. Choosing a modern ergonomic model will make it less strenuous on your body, saving you from back pain and other aches. You can also choose an attachment designed to alleviate back stress to add to your existing snow shovel.

A simple snow shovel can also reach the places that you may not be able to access with a snow blower. A snow shovel is also a good choice if you do not receive a large amount of snow each year and do not want a blower taking up valuable real estate in your garage or shed.

Roof Rake

If you live in an area that sees deep snow on the regular or if you have a flat roof, you are going to want to purchase a roof rake. This type of rake can extend up to 25 feet, helping you to clear snow off of your roof so that it does not cause a collapse. Clearing the snow with a rake will also help to prevent dangerous runoff when it begins to melt.

Generator

Homeowners that live in areas prone to power outages are wise to consider investing in a generator. An emergency generator will kick on when your power kicks off, keeping you warm and on the grid despite the inclement conditions. Keeping a generator ready to go is particularly important if you have a family member who relies on medical equipment.

In addition to keeping your power up and running and preventing food from spoiling in your refrigerator and freezer, a generator provides a multitude of additional help. If you have an electric sump pump, you will need a generator to keep it running so that your home does not flood. You will enjoy the winter season with more peace of mind if you know that you have a generator at your disposal to bridge the gap should you lose power.

Miscellaneous Scrapers, Brushes, and Other Items

In addition to the big ticket items, you also need a handful of smaller essentials to get you through the long winter with ease. You will not regret springing for the nicest snow brush that you can find. Keep a large one in your garage and a smaller one in the trunk of your vehicle. A smaller scraper is a good choice to use on thick ice.

Another good item to keep in your garage is a bag of salt or ice melt. Savvy homeowners choose ice melt made with calcium chloride instead of rock salt because it is less corrosive. The calcium chloride also works better at lower temperatures, making it a better choice for those bitterly cold mornings.

While there is no limit to the tools and gadgets that you may find useful for the winter, these five proven essentials are a great place to start.