Hopefully you won’t have any need to hit the roads this week during the upcoming winter storm.
However, if you need to head out and drive, make sure to pack an emergency winter kit to keep in your car just in case.
According to the Dallas Morning News, there are some pre-packaged kits available, but the Farmer’s Almanac and the American Red Cross advise securing these items in case an emergency arises:
-Blankets or sleeping bags
-Rain or snow clothing, including an extra set of dry pants, shirts, socks and jackets
-Nonperishable snacks that are high in energy, like nuts, fruit or protein bars -Several bottles of water
-A portable cellphone charger
-An ice scraper or shovel
-Cat litter or sand for use on tires if you get stuck in snow or slush -A flashlight
-A first-aid kit
-Jumper cables
-Extra windshield washer fluid with antifreeze
-Sunglasses if you are driving during the day (the sun’s reflection on snow can be harsh)
-A brightly colored bandana, shirt or other piece of cloth. This can be tied on to your car’s antenna or mirror to signal to other cars that you need help
-A gas can
And if you happen to get stranded on the side of the road during the storm, here are some tips from the Red Cross and the Farmer’s Almanac to endure that ordeal:
-Stay in your car. Don’t leave your car unless help is visible.
-If you must travel, make sure you share your travel plans and route with someone before you leave.
-Tie a brightly colored cloth onto your antenna or mirror to make yourself visible to other cars and to make it known you need help.
-Do not leave your car if you become stranded in bad winter weather. Don’t try to push your vehicle out of the snow. Light flares are in front and behind the car, and make sure the exhaust pipe is not blocked by snow, mud, or any object.
-Turn your car on every hour for 10 minutes, and use the car’s heater when you do so. This helps conserve fuel. Make sure there’s no snow inside the exhaust pipe.
-Keep your gas tank filled above halfway to avoid a gas line freeze-up.
-When the engine is on, leave the lights on in your car so you can be seen.
-Stay alert. Try occasional light exercises in your car, like clapping your hands and moving your legs around.
-If someone else is in the car, take turns sleeping if you need to rest.
-Drink plenty of water.
-Avoid driving when you have the flu, which can reduce your reaction time almost six times as much as moderate alcohol intake.
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