Sure, the autumn leaves are still turning their magical colors, but the Chicago area already has had several days with a bit of a wintertime feel. Are you prepared for snow? Don't forget, the first snow of the season in Chicago sometimes arrives earlier than you might expect.

••Oct. 30 is the average date for the first snowfall of a trace or more, according to the National Weather Service.

••Nov. 16 is the average date for the first measurable snowfall (0.1 inches or more).

••Dec. 2 is the average date for the first snowfall of an inch or more. (But the earliest is Oct. 19, 1989, when 3.8 inches of the white stuff fell.)

••The average amount of seasonal snowfall is 38 inches. (But Syracuse, N.Y., gets an average of 108 inches of snow every year. Doesn't that make you feel better?)

Here are some tips to prepare for winter:

Take inventory of your snow removal equipment. You'll need a snow-thrower, shovel, windshield ice scraper, brush, salt, sand and window washer fluid. Test your snowblower to make sure it's working OK.

"If you need a new tool, this is the time to buy," said Joseph Cohen, CEO of Snow Joe, a manufacturer of snowblowers. "Retailers are already running promotions on snow-throwers. Last year, 75 percent of their snow-throwers were sold out by December -- before the major snowstorms even hit Chicago.

"Many homeowners don't think of getting a snowblower until after the first snowfall," he said. "Consumers should consider buying their snow-throwers in the fall to avoid encountering depleted stock."

Sometimes, when the streets and sidewalks are icy, the stores sell out of salt too, so don't wait until it's too late.

Keep extra supplies in the car. "Somewhere, somehow, it's inevitable that you'll lose a glove, so keep an extra pair in the glove box," Cohen said.

Also, stash away these winter items in the car: a lock de-icer, a blanket, an emergency car kit and a car cell phone charger.

Stock the house with these snow must-haves. Absorbent mats will help ward away melted snow from wet boots. Extra storage is nice for squirreling away boots, hats, extra coats and mittens.

For an extra burst of heat during cold spells, stock up on inexpensive mitten and boot warmers that activate instantly when opened.

Dig through the closet and check off these items: a warm, water-resistant coat, gloves (or mittens if you prefer), hat, boots, absorbent socks and breathable layers of clothing that will help you avoid overheating and stay hydrated, especially when working outdoors in the frigid temperatures.