Tupperware in the Trunk

I am not sure where all of my viewers are from but if you live anywhere that mother -nature likes to snow on, you might want to read this. I will try to get you guys and girls thinking about how to be prepared when a winter storm affects your area. I joke about the chicken- little mindset that goes on here in central Ohio, and the obvious lack of preparation displayed by the masses. It is relatively easy and inexpensive to get ready for the “white death.” I am going to focus on weathering the storm in your car.

Mother-nature isn’t always motherly; she can be unpredictable and more often than not she can have some pretty bad cases of PMS.  We can take proper precautions to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe.  If you take care of your car it will be more ready to take care of you. Keep your tires properly inflated and aligned for better contact with the road and more traction. Never let your gas tank get below half tank, this will prevent your gas lines from freezing.  Install winter tires on your vehicle. Most importantly, wear your seatbelt.

The best advise I can give you in a snow storm is this: stay home. If it is not an emergency, and you really don't have to go out, don't. I know what you are thinking. I can drive great in the snow! You may be the next world rally champion but most people freak out and cannot grasp the basic fundamentals of winter driving. Don't tempt fate: snuggle up with your favorite beverage and a loved one and watch the reports of death and destruction on the highways from your couch.

Storms can magically pop up and wreak havoc on entire cities. Most of us have jobs that require us to brave this type of weather each winter. I have a medium sized Tupperware tote container in the trunk of my vehicles. Here is what I pack, just in case I get stranded going from point A to point B.

• Jumper cables- to restart engine
• Sand- for tire traction and some added weight in the back of my car
• Shovel- to scrape snow away from tires (I recommend the E-Tool from Glock)
• Ice scraper- to clear windshield
• Warm clothes gloves, a hat, sturdy boots, warm jacket and even a change of clothes
• Emergency Blankets- to keep warm (As many blankets as you have seats)
• Flashlights and extra batteries
• Any Medications you may take (In case you are stuck on the road)
• Food (Nuts and energy bars, crackers)
• Water (As many bottles as you have seats)
• Cell phone (program a list of emergency numbers into you phone)
• Flares or reflective triangle
• Baby formula and diapers if you have a small child

If you find yourself stranded, be safe and stay in your car, put on your flashers, call for help and wait until it arrives. Running your engine and heater for 15 minutes out of every hour will keep you warm and conserve gasoline. Well friends, the weather forecast was correct, the rain has changed to snow and I hope that this will help you out where ever you are. Stay safe, stay warm and have a happy holiday season. 

Barry