Preparing For Perilous Winter Travel

The best rule of thumb to follow when weather conditions become icy, bitterly cold, snowy, and all-around dangerous for travel, would be to simply stay home. Most of the time, it's just not worth the trip, and it's a pretty good excuse for missing most any event. However, occasions always arise that force people to brave the elements. In some parts of the country, treacherous winter weather is a regularly occurring fact of life, and the residents must adapt. Therefore, it is essential to prepare for problems that may arise on the roads (or off in the ditches).

First, dress appropriately. Body heat is lost most rapidly through the head, so wear a hat. Wear a scarf or knit mask to cover the face and mouth, sleeves that are snug at the wrist, mittens (they are warmer than gloves), water-resistant coat and boots, and several layers of loose fitting clothing. Try to avoid over-exertion, as wetness (including perspiration) will rapidly increase loss of body heat.

Before setting out in a vehicle, listen to reports from the National Weather Service. Avoid traveling in low-visibility conditions, and avoid ice-covered roads, bridges and overpasses if possible. Use tire chains and bring a cell phone; advise others of your destination and expected arrival time, so that the authorities can be notified quickly if something happens to you along the way. Never pour warm water on a windshield to remove ice and snow; shattering may occur.

Make sure to have emergency supplies in the vehicle at all times. Pack enough for the number of people who are in the car with you on a typical day, then bring a little extra on top of that. Your kit should include:

-plenty of extra warm clothes and blankets, as well as extra diapers for babies.

-an external heat source, in case the vehicle isn't running. A gas generator can be used to power a small electric room heater. This will require some safety precautions, such as storing the fuel separately from the generator until time for use, and keeping the generator and electric room heater spaced far apart.

-flashlights, flares, and a signal mirror.

-a basic first aid kit, which is useful year-round.

-jumper cables, a tool kit, tire chains.

-abrasive materials for traction, such as kitty litter, sand, or road salt.

-that old standby, the ice scraper.

Finally, if you do become stranded, remain in the vehicle. Run the engine at 10 minute intervals for heat, if the engine is working. Crack windows to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Try to make yourself visible to rescuers by tying a bright cloth to your antennae, or if you can make it to the nearest road sign, tie it to that, and use flares. Don't leave the vehicle unless you can see a building in which to take shelter, or unless it is unsafe to remain in the vehicle. Know the symptoms of hypothermia and frostbite, and keep a close eye on children for signs of these ailments. Hypothermia signs include shivering, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech, and drowsiness. Frostbite signs include white or yellowish-gray skin, skin that feels unusually firm or waxy, and numbne