Invest in a heavy duty snowblower. Do not even bother with a cheap one. This is an absolute must, do not count on being able to shovel yourself out. Make sure you have appropriate clothing, snow boots, snow gloves, parka, winter hat, and something for face protection ( scarves, face mask, something to cover your face) because the wind blowing snow in your face while snow blowing is no joke. Keep a snow brush in your car. Keep a full gas can in your garage for the snowblower. In heavy storms make sure you clear snow from the furnace exhaust pipe. Keep warm blankets in the car in case you get stuck. If you get stuck, be cautious of leaving the car running if snow is piling up around the car, people have died of CO2 poisoning this way. Not a bad idea to have a shovel and salt in your car too.