As the chance of winter driving conditions increase, we are reminded to have a winter weather kit in our car. But what should be in such a kit? The Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends the following: a shovel, windshield scraper, flashlight, battery powered radio, extra batteries, water, snack food, extra hats and mittens, blankets, tow chain or rope, road salt and sand, booster cables (also known as jumper cables), emergency flares and fluorescent distress flag. Additional recommendations are an empty coffee can, candles, and matches. These can serve as an alternate heat source, if your engine won’t run. Most of these items can be put together in a kit, and left in the truck of your car. However, it would be wise to take a fresh supply of water with you each trip. Melting a rock-solid bottle of water to get a drink isn’t a pleasant task, especially if you are already stressed and stranded.
Mary Knapp, Weather Data Library
mknapp@ksu.edu