You shouldn't be shocked that winter will be here before long, but if you haven't been here during the fall, WINTER WILL BE HERE BEFORE LONG.

There, your warning has been given.

Every year, we hear that this year could be worse than last or this may be the worst winter we've had in years. In Wyoming, you have a better chance of predicting the next round of lottery numbers than being able to determine what winter will be like.

You know how fast forecasts will change if you're a regular weather forecast watcher. Weather forecasters recommend letting them do the work for you and NOT your weather app. There is a lot of information meteorologists use to determine the weather forecasts. It's advised to use apps only on an advisory basis, not the factual weather predictor.

That said, you don't want to get caught with your pants down and not be ready if we have a rough winter. You can count on cold, snow, and wind. You can't count on when it will get cold, when the snow will fly, or how heavy the wind will be.

Your family should be the driving factor in preparing your home for winter. If you start working on these steps now, you'll be ready to go when winter is in full swing. Getting your home in order may cost you time, but it can be inexpensive.

12 Steps To Prepare For A Wyoming Winter

Wyoming Winter Emergency Kit

Emergency Kit

Wyoming Winter Adventures In Saratoga

Saratoga, Wyoming, is in the Platte Valley between the Snowy and the Sierra Madre Mountain Ranges in Southern Wyoming. It's a destination offering many activities and opportunities to keep your adventurous soul busy year-round, including winter.

Gallery Credit: Drew Kirby, Townsquare Media