Salt Shortage! Here Are Some Other Ways to Fight the Ice

A snow plow driving through Central Park during an afternoon snowfall.

State and local governments aren't the only ones worried about a salt shortage affecting the region. Many hardware stores, gas stations and supermarkets are reportedly sold out of the white stuff as well. The good news is, there's still plenty of salt out there; it's just not here in New York.

"Salt is actually inexhaustible so the supply is out there," says "Salt Guru" Morton Satin. "It's not a shortage of supply, it's a matter of getting the supply to the right place at the right time."

Still, with more snow coming to the area this weekend and rock salt a rare commodity on store shelves, what are you supposed to do with your iced-over driveway or sidewalk? We've got you covered.

SUGAR BEET JUICE

 

FERTILIZER*

*Note: This only applies to certain types. Alfalfa meal in particular is said to be a particularly good de-icer

 

CAT LITTER

This (litter, not the cat) won't necessarily melt your ice, but it should be able to provide you some traction on a slippery surface. It's a controversial choice: some people swear by it, but others say it makes too much mess.

 

SAND

See: Cat Litter

 

BONUS TIP!!

Mix together a solution 3/4 white vinegar and 1/4 water. Pour it over your windshield and you won't have to worry about your windshield icing overnight. The neighbors might smell your car coming from a mile away, but you'll save yourself 10 minutes having to scrape your windshield first thing in the morning. Be sure to keep the solution on the windshield; it has the potential to damage your car's paint!