Winter Weather Tips

Prepare a winter emergency kit for your vehicle.

Supplies should include:

• At least two blankets or a sleeping bag
• Flashlight or battery-powered lantern and extra batteries
• Jumper cables
• A snow shovel and rope
• First-aid kit
• Cell phone and car charger
• Ice scraper and snow brush

If you have an emergency situation in your vehicle, dial 911 on your phone.

Winter Safety Tips

• Pay attention to weather reports on the radio. Allow time in your schedule for bad weather and/or traffic delays.
• Become familiar with your vehicle’s winter weather operating characteristics. Front-wheel-drive vehicles generally handle better than rear-wheel vehicles on slippery roads because the weight of the engine is on the drive wheels, improving traction.
• Never use your cruise control on wet or icy roadways. When the tires begin sliding, it sends a signal to the car that it’s slowing down; so it starts to accelerate your car and can cause it to get out of control.
• Keep your windows clear of snow and ice. Remember to clean head, tail and brake lights.
• If you need to turn on your wipers, you need to turn on your headlights.
• Bridges become slick and icy before roads. Bridge temperatures can be five to six degrees colder than roadways, so drive with extreme caution during freezing temperatures.
• Keep your gas tank at least half full. Fill the tank before parking for lengthy periods. This will help prevent fuel line freeze-up.
• Leave ample stopping time between you and the driver in front of you. Brake distance can be up to “nine times” greater on snowy, icy surfaces than on dry roads.
• If your vehicle is equipped with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), be sure to: STOMP – firmly depress the brake pedal. Stay on the brake – do not pump the brakes. STEER where you want the vehicle to go.
• Gently pump non-ABS brakes to stop the vehicle. Take any corrective action gradually. You need to maintain full control of the vehicle. Refer to the vehicle operations manual for proper methods to correct skids.
• During winter travel, it is best to supply those at your destination with the following information: cell phone number, departure time, travel route and anticipated arrival time.
• Lock your vehicle, even in bad weather. If locks freeze, heat the key. Do not pour hot water on the locks – they will refreeze.
• Stay with your vehicle while warming up. Unattended, running vehicles invite theft.

Things to Know:

• Winter Storm Watch: Heavy snow and ice are possible over the next couple of days.
• Winter Storm Warning: Severe winter weather has come to the area – heavy snow and or ice will begin soon.
• Blizzard: Strong winds over 35mph, along with snow that reduces visibility.
• Sleet: Rain that falls and turns into ice before it hits the ground.
• Freezing Rain: Rain that falls and turns to ice as it hits the surface.