| Sudden snow storms, blizzards, and sleet are | | | | water is the easiest to buy and store. You should |
| some of the hazards you might face when | | | | keep about one gallon per person. You also want |
| traveling during the winter months. People who | | | | to keep high-energy food in your emergency bag |
| live in areas prone to winter weather are used to | | | | as well. Pretzels, granola bars, and breakfast bars |
| the harsh conditions. But those of use who do not | | | | are good choices to keep. These kinds of things |
| live in these locations need to take precautions | | | | do not go bad over time, and can be very filling. |
| when traveling there. Especially when traveling | | | | Light Sources Keep a good flashlight, with spare |
| with children. | | | | batteries, in your bag. You can also keep some of |
| Whether you are visiting relatives in the northern | | | | those glow sticks in the bag, to help keep your |
| states or just driving to the local mountains for a | | | | kids entertained and less afraid. Most camping |
| day in the snow, you will want to be prepared for | | | | supply stores carry emergency flashlights and |
| any event. There are some things you can do, | | | | glow stick. |
| and bring, to help you survive an unexpected | | | | First Aid Kit Every person, whether they have |
| incident. | | | | kids or not, should have a first aid kit in their car. |
| Before you leave | | | | Emergencies happen without warning and you |
| Check the local weather channel for the current | | | | never know when you might need a bandage. |
| and projected forecast. If there is a chance of | | | | Extras to Pack |
| bad weather, then do not go. Nothing is worth | | | | Kid Items If you have an infant pack extra |
| risking your family's safety. | | | | diapers, wipes and powdered formula. Pack small |
| Make sure your cell phone is charged before you | | | | toys or an entertaining game for older kids to |
| leave, but be aware you might not have service | | | | play. If you should become stuck somewhere, |
| everywhere along your route. It is possible, should | | | | you want to be able to keep your children calm |
| you become stranded, and you might have to | | | | and distracted from what is happening. |
| hike to find a signal. | | | | Should You Become Trapped |
| Arrange to call someone when you get there. | | | | First thing you should do is remain calm. Panic will |
| Should this person not hear from you in the | | | | not help and will only make things worse. Take |
| allotted time, they can call the authorities for you? | | | | some deep breaths and remember you are |
| Also, be sure to let them know what route you | | | | prepared for this. |
| will be taking, so they can alert rescue personal | | | | Second, do not leave your car unless absolutely |
| where to look should they not hear from you. | | | | necessary. Your best chance for being rescued is |
| Your Emergency Bag | | | | to stay with your car. It is safer to remain where |
| When packing your vehicle for the trip, consider | | | | you are than to try to find your way in unfamiliar |
| putting these items into your car, just in case. | | | | territory. |
| Blankets, Sweaters or Sleeping Bags The biggest | | | | Prepare yourself ahead of time, before you get |
| danger you face, if bad weather strands you in | | | | into your car to go for that winter drive. Pack |
| your car, is the loss of body heat. Bundling up will | | | | your car with the proper gear to insure your |
| extend the time you can stay in your car until | | | | family has the supplies they will need should the |
| help arrives. | | | | unthinkable happens. That, along with a cool head, |
| Food and Water You want to keep food and | | | | is what you will need to keep your family safe. |
| water in an emergency bag in your car. Bottled | | | | |