Do you dress for the drive or the break-down?
Most people dress for the drive. 15 minutes from one side of Lexington to the other in a warm car and then into a warm store. What could go wrong?
ALOT.
Sure, my car's heater works GREAT, but that is only as long as the car is running. Should I break down between Gothenburg and North Platte, I am going to wish I had some supplies in my car while I wait for a tow truck.
During the holiday season we travel more than any other time of year, but we make little room in the trunk for what is really important...disaster stuff. Before you head out again, do an inventory on your vehicle and prepare your car or truck.
Start by checking (or have your mechanic check for you) all of these things:
- anti-freeze levels
-battery and ignition
-brakes (wear and fluid!)
-exhaust (check for leaks, crimped or smashed pipes, etc. Carbon monoxide is deadly and can be worse in cold weather should you get stuck in a snow bank with the car running for heat. In the winter we do not drive with the windows open so ventilation in your vehicle is at a low!
-heater/defroster
-lights and hazard lights
-windshield wipers and fluid
-tires
-gasoline (always make sure you keep at least half a tank in your car during the winter.
Now that we have CHECKED the car, we need to stock it. Now is the best time of the year to put together a car disaster bag or kit. This may take up some room in your trunk, but trust me...if you have EVER been stranded, you'll be glad you made the room.
Here's a list for you
o a shovel
o windshield scraper and small broom
o flashlight
o battery powered radio
o extra batteries
o water
o snack food
o matches
o extra hats, socks and mittens
o First aid kit with pocket knife
o Necessary medications
o blanket(s)
o tow chain or rope
o road salt and sand
o booster cables
o emergency flares
o fluorescent distress flag
Well, that's all you get for now. Another winter weather preparedness lesson coming soon...
