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Household
Hints & HELP!
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Car Maintenance, Safe Driving Tips Help Motorists Prepare
for Winter Driving.
Just
as important as preparing your home for winter is being
prepared for winter driving. Snow and ice can make driving
dangerous.
Pack
Survival Kit for Winter Driving
submitted
by Lorene Bartos, Extension Educator
This article appeared in the December
28, 2003 Lincoln Journal Star Newspaper.
When traveling during winter months it is important to be
prepared for an emergency. Roads can quickly become icy
or snowy during winter storms, causing automobile accidents
and leaving some motorists stranded. It's important to prepare
for such situations by packing a survival kit with plenty
of supplies for each passenger.
Many
motorists carry mobile phones, which can be helpful, but
are not a substitute for survival kits. Phone batteries
may die or there may not be adequate reception to call authorities.
Keep
automobiles well-stocked with items to prevent heat loss,
such as winter caps, extra socks, blankets and insulated
gloves and coveralls.
Be
sure to pack high energy foods like candy bars, power bars
and canned, ready-to-eat soups or fruit. Keep drinking water
inside the car, to prevent freezing.
Also
include waterproof matches or a butane lighter. A large
candle can provide light and some heat, as well as melt
snow for water. A flashlight with extra batteries also is
helpful.
Drivers also should pack paper towels, waterless hand cleaner
and toilet paper. It's a good idea to bring a sealable container
for passengers to use for bathroom purposes since leaving
the vehicle releases interior heat and the eliminated material
has heat value.
Motorists
also should carry a heavy-duty ice scraper, jumper cables,
a portable jump starter, tow strap, cat litter, collapsible
or folding shovel and fuel de-icer in their automobiles.
In addition, a highly visible fluorescent orange or green
flag can help authorities locate stranded travelers.
By
being prepared for the unexpected driving conditions you
will be safe and able to enjoy the new year.
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