Is Your Car Stocked for Snow Driving?

The one thing you can always count on when living in Nebraska is unpredictable weather. In the winter, that means that ice and snow can cover our area quickly. Of course, this makes travel more difficult and time-consuming. Always make sure that you are giving yourself adequate time to get to where you are going and drive slowly to avoid accidents.

Before you drive on the ice and snow, stop and think about what you have in your vehicle. You should always carry emergency supplies in case you get stuck or stranded. Here is a list of important items as recommended by the CDC that you should make sure you keep in your car:

• Cell phone, portable charger, and extra batteries
• Shovel
• Windshield scraper
• Battery-powered radio with extra batteries
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Water
• Snack food
• Extra hats, coats, and mittens
• Blankets
• Chains or rope
• Canned compressed air with sealant for emergency tire repair
• Road salt and sand to help tires get traction
• Booster cables
• Emergency flares
• Bright colored flag or help signs
• First aid kit with pocket knife
• Hazard or other reflectors
• Necessary medications
• Tow chain or rope

Should you find yourself stranded, first set out emergency reflective triangles so passersby might see you better. Also, make sure no snow or icy is blocking your exhaust pipe. Then, stay in your car while running the motor and heater for 10 minutes per hour. Wear extra layers and move your arms and legs every so often to keep yourself warm until help arrives.

Sources:
Winter Weather Checklists [CDC]
Winter Weather Frequently Asked Questions [CDC]