Here Are 12 Things You Better Have If You Want To Survive In Nebraska

Nebraska is a pretty big state - and with 2/3 of our population living in just a few metropolitan areas, that leaves a whooooooole lotta empty space. If you never want to leave your small town you'll be able to get around on foot, but if you want to commute or need to buy groceries you'll definitely need a vehicle.

When you drive in the winter, chances are pretty good that you'll get bogged down in snow, slipped up on ice, or you'll run across someone who needs help. At the very minimum you'll want to keep an emergency kit of sand or kitty litter (it adds weight to smaller cars and can provide traction when spread under your tires if you're stuck), a small snow shovel, extra gloves, a blanket, and road flares/emergency triangle.

With all those wide open expanses, it's inevitable that you'll either run into car trouble or happen upon someone having car trouble. Even if you aren't a mechanic, at least keep a set of jumper cables and a spare tire kit in your car at all times to deal with the most common car troubles.

If you want to keep yourself entertained in Nebraska, you'll want to get out there and enjoy all of our awesome natural excitement.

As a state with a long and fascinating history, Nebraska has a lot of stories to tell. Even if you've never been into history or learning before, you'll want to make an exception here...it'll make you grateful to every Nebraskan who came before you.

It seems like a lot of people don't expect the sun to be so brutal in Nebraska, but an afternoon outdoors will turn your skin crispy if you forget the sunscreen.

Every Nebraskan knows that you have to layer when it comes to dressing for the winter. It could be well below zero in the morning, in the 60s in the afternoon, and back down below freezing at night. Even in October. But having a sturdy, heavy winter coat and gloves is a must.

A few minutes outside in the snow in sneakers - and extremely uncomfortable frozen toes - and you'll get why good snow boots are not optional.

Out-of-staters will have a good time ribbing you about how there's nothing here but cows and cornfields. Just smile, laugh it off...and know that you're the one living the good life.