It's always good to be prepared, especially when it starts snowing.
The Niagara International Transportation Technology Coalition (NITTEC) has offered the following tips to help drivers this winter.
Emergency kit for winter vehicle travel:
- Battery jumper cables
- Flashlights and extra batteries
- First aid kit and necessary medications
- Food items containing protein, such as nuts and energy bars, canned fruit and a portable can opener
- Water for each person and pet in your car
- AM/FM radio to listen to traffic reports and emergency messages
- Sand or cat litter for better tire traction
- Tire chains or traction mats
- Basic tool kit, including pliers, wrench, screwdriver
- Tow rope
- Shovel
- Windshield scraper and brush
- Warm clothes, gloves, hat, sturdy boots, jacket and an extra change of clothes
- Blankets or sleeping bags
- A fully-charged cell phone and phone charger
- Road maps
Other items to consider carrying in a vehicle:
- Road flares or reflective triangle
- Fire extinguisher
- Baby formula and diapers if you have a small child
Travel advisories, incidents, alerts and construction updates: http://www.nittec.org/travel_advisories/
"Be prepared for an emergency by keeping your gas tank full and emergency kit stocked," said Athena Hutchins, Executive Director of NITTEC. "If you find yourself stranded, be safe and stay in your car, put on your flashers, call for help and wait until it arrives."
