Preparing for Winter: A Williams Guide to Cold-Weather Readiness

As the temperatures drop here in the Hudson Valley and Catskill region, I’m reminded every year that winter doesn’t just arrive—it settles in. And when it does, it demands preparation. After decades of working alongside our Williams Lumber & Home Centers teams, and as an Ace Hardware partner, I’ve learned that winter readiness isn’t about reacting to the first storm. It’s about planning ahead so your home, your family, and even your backyard wildlife stay protected and comfortable all season long.

Winter in our region can be unpredictable. Some years ease in gently; others hit hard with snow, ice, wind, and freezing temperatures. But one thing remains the same: when our customers walk through our doors looking for guidance, I want them to feel confident, supported, and fully prepared for whatever the season brings. That’s what makes this time of year so meaningful for me.

Bundle Up: Clothing That Works as Hard as You Do

When cold mornings start to bite, the first line of defense is what you wear. That’s why we take great pride in carrying Carhartt clothing, a brand trusted by professionals, weekend project-doers, and parents searching for durable gear for their teens. At Williams, you’ll find rugged jackets, insulated bibs, heavyweight flannels, fleece-lined hoodies, warm beanies, and winter gloves designed to withstand real outdoor conditions.

Alongside Carhartt, our stores also stock Muck Boots, one of my personal winter essentials. There’s nothing worse than trudging through slush or standing on frozen ground with cold, wet feet. Muck Boots are 100% waterproof, easy to slip on, and warm enough for everything from barn chores to daily dog walks. I recommend them constantly—once you own a pair, you’ll understand why.

Snow-Removal Essentials: Be Ready Before the First Flake Falls

Every winter, we hear the same thing: “I meant to pick up supplies earlier.” Snow doesn’t wait, and when a storm hits, you don’t want to be the person digging through the garage for last year’s cracked shovel or clumped-together ice melt.

This is why we make sure our stores are stocked early with the must-haves:

Snow shovels in multiple shapes and sizes—ergonomic designs, metal-blade pushers, poly scoops for lighter snow, and steel-edge shovels for ice-packed driveways.
Ice melt, including pet-safe formulas and fast-acting blends ideal for walkways, steps, driveways, and commercial areas. (I always keep a spare bag in my trunk.)
Roof rakes to prevent ice dams.
Driveway markers, which become essential once the snowbanks pile up. (Pro tip: Put them in before the snow comes.)

And for customers ready to upgrade from shoveling altogether, our Ace partnership gives us access to one of the most innovative lines of snow-clearing equipment: EGO snow blowers. These battery-powered machines are powerful, quiet, easy to start, and maintenance-free—no gas, no fumes, no pull cord. Many families in our community have made the switch, and the feedback is always the same: “Why didn’t I buy this sooner?”

Protecting Your Home: Winterization That Matters

Cold weather doesn’t only affect the outdoors—it affects your home’s structure, systems, and safety. At Williams, we help customers winterize with simple steps that prevent costly repairs down the line.

Our shelves are stocked with:

Weatherstripping to seal drafty doors and windows
Pipe insulation to help prevent freezing
Space heaters, thermostats, and energy-saving solutions
Window insulation kits for older homes
Furnace filters to improve heating efficiency
Wood bundles and pellets, Pine Mountain logs and fire starters
Humidifiers to keep the house comomfortable

I’ve always believed that a little prevention goes a long way, and winter is the season when that philosophy truly pays off.

Comfort, Warmth, and the Joy of Staying Indoors

While much of winter preparation is practical, there’s a cozy side too. When you’re spending more time indoors, comfort matters. Many of our shoppers pair their winter prep supplies with warm socks, gloves, hand warmers, candles, and home-care essentials. Winter can be long—making your space inviting helps you enjoy the season instead of just enduring it.

Caring for Wildlife: A Small Act With a Big Impact

One of my favorite winter traditions is preparing for the return of our backyard birds. When the snow falls and food becomes scarce, keeping feeders filled can make a real difference. At Williams, we carry a wide selection of bird seed, including sunflower blends, suet cakes, no-mess mixes, and specialty seed for cardinals, woodpeckers, finches, and more.

It’s something small—but it brings life, color, and movement to even the bleakest winter days. I always tell customers: if you’ve never fed birds through the winter, try it this year. You’ll be amazed at how much joy it brings.

Why Williams Lumber? Because We Live Winter With You

As an independent, family-run Ace franchise for decades, Williams isn’t just a hardware store—we’re your neighbors. We experience the same storms, the same power outages, the same frosty mornings. That’s why we’re passionate about providing products that we personally trust, use, and recommend.

Whether you’re gearing up for a storm, refreshing your winter wardrobe, protecting your home, or simply looking to make cold days more comfortable, we’re here to help. Our associates take pride in offering real advice and real solutions.

From My Family to Yours

Winter may be long, but it’s also a season full of beauty, quiet moments, and opportunities to slow down. With the right preparation, you can move through it with confidence—and even enjoyment.

From all of us at Williams Lumber & Home Centers, thank you for letting us be part of your winter readiness year after year. We’re here whenever you need us.

Stay warm, stay prepared, and stay safe.

— Kim Williams
Senior VP, Retail Operations & Marketing
Williams Lumber & Home Centers

Make a plan to visit one of our seven Williams Lumber locations today!