On One Sheet to the Frost, I described a trick to minimize the amount of window scraping or defrosting you might have to do.
Here is another trick that may save the motor in your wiper as you try to chip out ice-encased windshield wipers. This is easier on your joints, too!
If a winter storm is predicted, pull your wipers out from the windshield so that they stand at attention throughout the inclement weather.