Prepare Your Car & Yourself

12/29/2020 (Permalink)

Make sure your vehicle is equipped for emergencies this winter.

Iowa winters are cold, with January temperatures averaging about 14 degrees fahrenheit in the northwestern section of the state and in the low 20s in the southeast. Prepare your car-and yourself-for winter driving conditions. A bad weather accident can happen whether you’re on a two-hour drive or a short hop to a doctor’s appointment. Take precautions before starting your journey. Allow extra time to arrive at your destination. Don’t warm up your vehicle in an enclosed area, such as a garage. Fully charge your cell phone and make sure to have your car charger. Monitor the weather conditions before beginning your trip. If it seems like the road conditions will be too hazardous, change your travel plans. 

Avoid frostbite and hypothermia by planning for extreme cold before it arrives. Make checking the forecast part of your regular routine so you’ll know what to expect. If possible adjust your schedule to avoid being outside during the coldest part of the day. Make sure your vehicle has at least a half tank of gas during extreme cold situations so that you can stay warm if you become stranded. Dress for being outdoors even if you don’t think you’ll be out much. Update your winter car survival kit. Make sure your survival kit contains the following:

• Jumper cables: flares or reflective triangle are great extras
• Flashlights: Replace the batteries before the winter season starts and pack some extras
• First Aid Kit: Also check your purse of bag for essential medications
• Baby, special needs gear: If you have a baby or family member with special needs, pack diapers and any special formula or food
• Food: Stock non-perishable food such as canned food and a can opener, dry cereal and protein rich foods like nuts and energy bars
• Water: Have at least 1 gallon of water per person a day for at least 3 days
• Basic toolkit: Pliers, wrench, screwdriver
• Pet supplies: Food and water
• Radio: Battery or hand cranked
• Cat litter or sand: For better tire traction
• Shovel: To dig out snow
• Ice scraper: Even if you usually park in a garage, have one in the car.
• Clothes: Make sure you dress for the weather in warm clothes, gloves, hat, sturdy boots, jacket and an extra change of clothes for the cold
• Warmers: Pack extra for body, hands, feet
• Blankets or sleeping bags: If you get stranded in traffic on a lonely road, you'll be glad to have it.
• Charged Cell Phone: Keep a spare charger in your car as well