Winter Weather Awareness Day – Getting Weather Ready

Posted By: Channel 8 Eyewitness News
8@klkntv.com

As temperatures get colder and snow inevitably comes our way, it’s important to be ready so you’re not caught in a bad situation. Let’s focus on winter travel in bad weather and getting your car prepared.

Before you even leave, be sure your phone is fully charged and you have a charger with you.

Do a full check-up of your car. Have the battery checked to see how well-charged it is. Be sure to have good wipers and winterized washer fluid. A scraper and even a shovel are important tools to have handy, and when bad winter weather is expected, it’s smart to always have at least half a tank of gas…

Say you’re driving in a bad storm and get stuck. What should you do?

Stay in your vehicle preferably, or if you do have to get out of your car, don’t go too far away. Walking a long distance in extreme cold or snow may leave you lost and exposed to the elements.

Call 911 and be as specific and descriptive as possible about your location. If there’s something bright you can tie around the car antenna to help identify your car, do it.

In case you’re stuck for a while, having a safety kit with blankets, heavy clothes, water, food, a flashlight and batteries will help ensure your safety. Run the car for about 10 minutes every hour for heat, and roll down the windows occasionally to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

If you want more information on how to properly prepare for all sorts of winter weather, the Omaha National Weather Service office has an information packet here: https://www.weather.gov/media/oax/WWAD2018NEIA.pdf