Bone chilling winds, artic temperatures, snow pack, black ice and reduced visibilities are all travel hazards when you live where it is cold and snowy in the winter. Being prepared in case of trouble while traveling is just plain smart. A little bit of planning could save your life.
1. When traveling any distance, have a route planned and share it with someone. Let them know when you leave and then when you arrive.
2. Make sure your gas tank is filled and keep it above half full.
3. If for some reason you become stranded, stay in your car. Run it intermittently and make sure your exhaust pipe isn’t blocked by snow.
4. For my teenagers who think wearing a winter coat is uncool, we insist they at least have it in their car.
5. Pack a Winter Survival Kit
a. Flashlight (with extra batteries or a hand crank type) and/or candles with matches (store in a plastic bag so they stay dry)
b. Jumper cables
c. First-Aid kit (band-aides, adhesive tape, gauze pads, antiseptic wipes, and antiseptic cream
d. Car phone charger
e. Multi-tool like a Leatherman or a Swiss Army knife
f. A rope to tie yourself to the steering wheel to check your exhaust pipe. I know this sounds extreme, but if you are stranded in blizzard, you can get lost only feet away from your car
g. Hand and toe warmers
h. Kitty litter for traction
i. Collapsible shovel
j. A can with toilet paper and paper towels
6. Before taking a long trip in extra cold weather, here are a few other things to think about including:
a. Extra water
b. Extra blankets
c. Boots, hats and gloves for everyone
d. Food like nuts and energy bars, and other snacks