Until you have to drive in it! Before you head out in your car, take these precautions.
- Check the weather and if the forecast is especially nasty, try to change your plans and stay home. If you absolutely must go out, tell someone your plans.
- If you plan to warm up your car before leaving, do not do so in an enclosed garage! In fact, the Consumer Product Safety Commission says that a running car in an attached garage is NEVER safe even with the garage door open.
- Your gas tank should always be at least half full to prevent your gas line freezing.
- Make sure your tires are properly inflated.
- Charge your phone before you go.
- ALWAYS wear a seat belt and have your child secured in their safety seat.
- If you get stuck, do not leave your car! Put flares in front of and behind your car. No flares? You can also tie a brightly colored cloth to your antenna or attach it to a rolled-up window to signal for help.
- If you are stuck and still running your car, make sure nothing is blocking the exhaust pipe. It is advised that you only run your car for 10 minutes each hour to prevent CO poisoning. Keep the window open a crack while running your car.
- If you're off on a long road trip, have a mechanic give your car a check-up to make sure it's up to winter driving.
- If you get on the road and the weather takes a turn for the worse, pull over and wait until visibility improves.
- The National Safety Council recommends always having these items in your car in the case of an emergency.
- Shovel
- Jumper cables
- Tool kit
- Blankets
- Mittens, gloves, socks and hats
- Non-perishable foods like granola bars, nuts and dried fruit
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Ice scraper and a snow brush
- First aid kit
- Inflated spare tire, wheel wrench and jack
- Bag of salt for tire traction; sand or kitty litter work as well
- Flares or reflective triangles
- Compass
- Tire chains
- Matches in a waterproof container
