By Fox23.com News Staff
OKLAHOMA — With winter weather expected to hit the state at the end of the work week, FOX23 is offering tips on what to do in preparation for it.
Traveling in severe weather
In case of snow, sleet or ice, it is always advised to stay off the roads. But in case you have to be out, slow down as it is harder to control of stop vehicles on ice or snow-covered services. Increase the follow distance between yourself and the vehicle in front of you to have more time to stop. Be sure to check road conditions before heading out if you have to travel. Remember that bridges and overpasses are the first to freeze over.
If you are behind or beside a snow plow, be sure to give them space as they travel slow, make wide turns, stop often, overlap lanes and exit the road frequently.
If you get stopped or stalled in severe weather, you are advised to stay in your car, put on bright markers on the antenna or windows and keep the interior lights on. Make sure your exhaust pipe is clear of any snow to avoide carbon monoxide poisoning. Also, only run your vehicle sporadically just enough to stay warm. Don’t run your car for long periods of time with the windows up or in an enclosed space.
Be sure to check the tire pressure of your vehicle to stop it from getting too low. Keep it filled to the recommended inflation pressure, which would be labeled in owner’s manual and on a labeln located on the driver’s side door frame. Don’t inflate them to the pressure listed on the tire itself, which is the maximum pressure it can hold.
For children in car seats, place them in thin, warm layers and place blankets or coats around your child after the harness is secure. If children are in coats, it could interfere with a proper harness fit.
What to pack
Before you go out on the road, make sure your vehicle is stocked with essential items in case you become stuck out in the cold weather. Here are items to bring with you:
- First aid kit
- Jumper cables
- Spare tire (check the condition)
- Flares
- Cell phone charger
- Bottled water
- Snacks
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Mittens/gloves, hat, boots, warm clothes
- Blankets
- Snow shovel, ice scraper
- Full tank of gas
- Sand or kitty litter
For a full breakdown of what to do with you car to travel safely, you can read the document provided with this story below.
