Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow

Minnesota is no stranger to snow and lots of it. The latest predictions of extended periods of snow over this holiday are making people nervous. Let’s take a moment to talk about preparedness and common sense. First, let’s take a collective breath and ask ourselves a question. If we do get all the snow our prognosticators are saying, are your holiday travel plans and personal safety really worth risking? Yes, the holidays only come once a year, and there are family expectations involved, but is being stranded on some rural highway worth it? If you feel you must travel then be prepared and have a car snow emergency kit with you. Here is what your kit should include:

1. Jumper cables to restart your car’s engine.
2. Blankets to provide warmth.
3. Shovel to help dig out in case you get stuck.
4. Cat Litter to provide traction on packed snow and ice.
5. Flashlights and extra batteries to provide better visibility.
6. Ice scraper to clear windows.
7. Food, pack nuts and energy bars that contain protein.
8. AM/FM radio to listen to traffic reports and emergency announcements.
9. Water, bring enough for each person and any pets in the car.

There are other things you may wish to consider like keeping your car’s tank full of gasoline, carrying a fully charged cell phone with emergency numbers at the ready. Carry baby formula and extra diapers if traveling with infants and young children, better yet go back and ask yourself the question at the beginning of this article. If you do become stranded stay with your vehicle, call for help and wait until it arrives. You may also wish to carry a copy of Dickens Christmas Carol to read aloud while you wait.