MAKE SURE YOUR car is ready to handle icy conditions. Driving in less than ideal weather can be tricky. Be sure to reduce your speed when you are behind the wheel. Think first about your safety, then consider what you’ll need if you find yourself stranded. Emergency must-haves include:
*Winter Boots Even if you don’t wear them to drive, winter boots can stay in your car in case the weather changes while you are driving around town or to and from work. If you know it will be icy, put them on before you walk outside. Make sure your boots have enough tread and can handle inclement weather. Always step with caution, since black ice is hard to detect and may blend into the pavement. Pay attention to weather updates.
*A Safety Kit Be prepared for traffic and stock up on essentials needed to survive for hours in your car in case you have to park on the side of the road or interstate. Besides an emergency first-aid kit, be sure your car has warm blankets, nonperishable food items—such as nuts, snack bars, trail mix, and crackers—water, a flashlight and extra batteries, a map in case your smart phone loses charge, any medications you may need, and sand to pour on icy surfaces.
If you have a problem on the road, stay with your car, if at all possible, until help arrives. In case of an emergency, dial 911.
