Stay safe on the road
Be prepared for winter weather
Emergencies can happen in the car, too. “With bad weather and rural areas, you may get stuck on the road,” says Cory Angell, spokesperson for the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency. Use these tips to prepare.
Follow road advisories
Avoid travel when conditions are bad. If you must travel, drive slowly and stay alert.
Make sure your phone is charged
Bring a charger with you, too.
Don’t let your gas tank dip below half-full
If you are stranded, turn on the engine and run the heat about 10 minutes every hour. Make sure the exhaust is clear and vented properly.
Pack emergency items
“Having a car kit when you need it can save you and your loved ones,” Angell says. Here’s what to include:
- Cell phone charger
- Bottled water
- Snacks, like granola bars or nuts
- First aid kit
- Any medications or personal care items, such as baby products
- Blankets
- Battery-powered flashlight
- Battery-powered radio
- Extra batteries
- Jumper cables
- Windshield scraper
- Small snow shovel
- Small bag of sand for snow
- Emergency flares or bright cloth
