Survival Guide for Winter Weather: Being Road Ready
By: Lisa Mendenhall
Updated: February 20, 2013
Just because there's winter weather that doesn't mean our lives come to a stop.
So, if you plan to hit the streets, there may be some items you want to take in tow.
A winter weather survival kit would include the following list, according to the American Red Cross:
- Booster cables
- Non-perishable, energy foods like power bars and peanuts
- Bottled water
- Fully-charged cell phone, and cell phone charger
- Battery-operated radio and extra batteries
- Blankets and/or sleeping bags
- Hand warmers
- First aid kit and manual
- Extra changes of clothes
While that might take care of your needs in the short-term if you get stranded inside your car, there are some things to check out on your ride before you roll out.
At Discount Tire and Brakes in Little Rock, folks had been flocking in all day Wednesday to get their wheels road ready for the weather.
While slowing down and keeping an eye out for ice patches can help keep you safe driving on the streets, a full body inspection isn't a bad idea, either.
"Bringing them in checking the tread depth on the tires, checking their tire pressure, anti-freeze and wiper blades," Discount Tire and Brakes employee Ken Liner said. "A worn out tire is hard to drive on in the ice. This is the time where if those tires need to be replaced, get them replaced now."
The cold can run down a battery that's on its last legs, and windshield wipers can be your best friend or worst enemy when ice and snow are falling out of the sky.
If you do decide to brave the trip, have your survival kit in tow and be sure your car is in tip-top shape. If not, you may want to put it in park and wait for the winter weather to leave the area.
