Whether it’s snowing, sleeting, or icing, winter weather can create extremely hazardous road conditions. It is crucial to prepare yourself and your vehicle for winter weather. The more prepared you are for the hazards of winter, the more likely you are to remain safe and healthy during the cold months.
There is no way to stop the onset of winter. Nevertheless, if you follow these suggestions, you will be prepared for it when it occurs.
- Be prepared in case you get stranded by keeping an emergency kit in your car. Included in the kit should be:
- Extra hats, coats, mittens, and blankets to keep warm
- Snacks and water
- First aid kit with any necessary medications and a pocketknife
- Tow chains, rope, and tire chains
- A can of compressed air with sealant for repairing tires in an emergency
- Windshield scraper
- A mixture of cat litter, sand, or road salt can help tires gain traction or melt ice
- Jumper cables or booster cables with fully charged batteries
- Hazard or other reflectors
- Shovel
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Waterproof matches and a can to melt snow for water
- Battery-powered radio with extra batteries
- Cell phone, portable charger, and extra batteries