The weather can turn on a dime, and a once clear day can turn into a snowstorm that could leave you stranded, so you need to follow the scouts and be prepared.
The National Weather Service has compiled a list of essentials that you should keep in your car during the winter.
The first suggestion when winter weather hits is to stay off the roads, but if you have to go out, you should have these supplies at the ready.
They include:
- Cellphone charger
- First aid kit
- Jumper cables
- Snow tires or chains
- Flares
- Full tank of gas
- Water
- Snacks
- Flashlight
- Sand or cat litter
- Boots
- Mittens
- Warm clothes
- Blanket
- Tow rope
- Shovel
- Ice scraper/snow brush
That list is from the NWS, but the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration adds necessary medication to the items you should have with you.
The NHTSA also reminds drivers of electric or hybrid vehicles to keep their vehicles fully charged.
“In general, batteries with liquid electrolyte have reduced energy storage and delivery capabilities at lower temperatures, which is why most all vehicle batteries use battery power for self-heating in low temperatures,” the NHTSA said.
The battery drain can be negated by keeping electric vehicles warm during freezing temperatures and plugging them in at night during the winter.
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