This week’s burst of cold temperatures a good reminder to equip your vehicle with emergency weather supplies before winter arrives.
White County Emergency Management Director Matt McBride said drivers should check the supplies in their car emergency kits at the beginning of every season. McBride said simple items like batteries, flashlights, blankets are year-round tools to keep in the car.
“Being prepared not only helps you, it could help someone else that you encounter,” McBride said. “And it also helps us as emergency first responders, being when you’re prepared, your case is a whole lot less worse.”
McBride said winter kits should contain gloves, an extra pair of socks, a pair of all-weather boots and hand warmers. McBride said emergency kits should always carry two different light sources, like a flashlight and a headlamp, or a headlamp and a glow stick.
“I mean as we all say, we hope that there is not an emergency, but if your prepared for the emergency, it sure lessens your chances,” McBride said. “I think that, what we don’t want to do is, we don’t want people to be stranded without extra layers of clothing, without an extra blanket, or some form of that.”
McBride said preparing for a shift in weather two to three days before the season begins is safer than waiting until the first frost of the year. McBride said it allows time for replacing any items.
“Batteries and flashlights and blankets and so forth, all those are pretty common,” McBride said. “And I think all those are even for every season. Even a blanket, or some type of cover is really important in early Spring for storm season.”
McBride said winter kits should contain gloves, an extra pair of socks, a pair of all-weather boots and hand warmers. McBride said emergency kits should always carry two different light sources, like a flashlight and a headlamp, or a headlamp and a glow stick.
“I mean as we all say, we hope that there is not an emergency, but if your prepared for the emergency, it sure lessens your chances,” McBride said. “I think that, what we don’t want to do is, we don’t want people to be stranded without extra layers of clothing, without an extra blanket, or some form of that.”
McBride said it is possible to pack too many items in an emergency kit, recommending a small plastic tote with a curated set of items. McBride said drivers must keep in mind the number of passengers that normally ride in the vehicle.
“If there’s just you, then maybe one cover up and one blanket would work,” McBride said. “But if you’re traveling with, hauling two to four passengers, or family members or children, then, you know, you want them to be prepared also.”
McBride said with winter weather, do not let gas get under half a tank, as on some roads and highways it can take longer to get to anyone that might be deserted.