Today is the final day of Winter Weather Preparedness Week.
Readiness extends beyond being safe in your own home so the Indiana Department of Homeland Security has a few helpful vehicle tips to keep in mind as road conditions become more dangerous with incoming inclement weather.
First, be sure to have vehicles looked over by a mechanic before the cold weather hits. The mechanic should check the brakes, heater, defroster, tires, windshield wipers and any other parts they may be susceptible to issues in the winter-time.
Have an emergency kit for the car that includes blankets, jumper cables, a portable phone charger, an ice scraper as well as any first aid supplies that may be needed. Flare gun, flashlights, water and non perishable, high-energy food items can also make helpful additions to an emergency kit.
Keeping a bag of sand stowed away in your vehicle can come in handy to help improve traction for a car stuck on snow or ice.
If you’re ever stranded without any cell phone signal, never attempt to walk to find help unless you’re certain that assistance is less than 100 yards away. Run the car every ten minutes to stay warm but be sure to check that your exhaust pipe isn’t blocked to avoid carbon-monoxide poisoning.
