If you’re forced to get out in the bitter cold this weekend, the National Weather Service recommends traveling with a winter safety kit in case of emergencies. Here’s what to pack in yours.
Extra layers are a must
Steve Cobb, a meteorologist who serves as science and operations officer at the NWS office in Tulsa, said it’s important to keep blankets and warm clothes in your car. Temperatures are expected to remain below freezing from Thursday night through Monday. Additionally, a winter storm with snow and ice is on its way, arriving Friday and continuing at least through early Sunday morning.
“You definitely want a blanket (or) maybe a sleeping bag, something like that to keep you warm in case you get stranded,” he said.
Cobb emphasized that everybody needs to have coverings for their hands and face.
“Think of gloves and maybe a hat (or) a scarf to wrap around your face to minimize frostbite, because we’re going to have really brutally cold wind chills with this event, which is a little concerning as well,” he said. “If anybody gets trapped with these harsh wind chills, you can easily get frostbite pretty quickly.”
Roadside essentials
Cobb also advised folks to keep a flashlight in their cars.
“Of course, most people have flashlights on their iPhone or their cell phone right now, but those have to be charged,” he said. “Having an extra flashlight — even if it’s a small one in your glove box — is a good idea, too.”
Cobb also encouraged motorists to bring a snow shovel, a snow brush and an ice scraper.
“When you’re out trying to travel and you can’t see, or snow is blowing from your hood back onto your windshield and it’s freezing instantly because your windshield wipers can’t keep up — there’s multiple things there, so you just want to make sure your car is cleaned up,” he said.
The current NWS forecast shows this storm will be “mainly snow,” Cobb said.
“Initially, it’s just going to be that slushy, heavy snow pack that people will be traveling through,” Cobb said.
In the event that snow melts and refreezes, Cobb said having cat litter or sand on hand will be helpful to create traction.
Here are the remaining items that the NWS recommends keeping in your vehicle:
- A cell phone and charger
- A first aid kit
- Water and snacks
- A tow rope
- A full tank of gas
- Jumper cables
- Tire chains or snowtires
- Flares
Follow the NWS Tulsa office on Facebook or check their webpage for the latest updates.
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