You may have prepped your home and pantry for this week's winter weather, but what about your car? Experts with AAA say a properly packed car emergency kit could save your life.
"When the roads are impacted by ice and snow, it can take longer for help to arrive," says Daniel Armbruster with AAA Texas. "The last thing you want is an emergency, but of course you never know when that's going to happen. So being prepared is key."
Armbruster recommends stuffing your car emergency pack with enough hats, gloves and blankets for everyone in your vehicle. Your kit should also contain the basics: A phone charger, first-aid kit, flashlight and ice scraper, among other useful items.
If you get stuck on the roadway for an extended period of time, Armbruster says you'll want to have plenty of food and fresh water. Another important safety tool? A flare. Or LED beacon-- anything to make yourself visible to other drivers, especially in bad weather.
Checking to make sure your vehicle is in good working order can save you trouble down the road, too. Armbruster says icy weather can wreak havoc on car batteries and tires. He recommends double checking everything before venturing out into potentially dangerous conditions.
"You always have to be ready for the unexpected," Armbruster says. "Drivers should have their vehicles prepared-- in case they have to get out into the winter weather, or in case they have a roadside emergency."
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