Message Monday - Don't throw a fit, pack a winter survival kit
Winter? What? Already? You may be dreading it, but winter is coming.
If you’ve lived in Iowa long, you know the weather can change quickly. Typically, the first significant snowfall doesn’t happen until November, but it always pays to plan ahead.
The Iowa Department of Transportation’s salt storage sheds are full and our equipment is ready to go for the winter. But what if you become stranded because of winter weather? Are you prepared?
A good winter survival kit contains:
- Booster cables
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Snow/ice scraper
- First aid kit
- Water and non-perishable snacks
- Blankets and extra boots, gloves, warm clothes
- Candles/matches and a can or tin cup to melt snow
This time of year it’s also a good idea to keep a fully charged cell phone and a charger with you and your car’s fuel tank at least half full. If a storm is predicted, it’s smart to fully fill your tank if you’re going to be on the road. A shovel and a bag of sand or kitty litter are also helpful to dig you out of snow or gain traction when it is slick.
A winter survival kit can save your life and the lives of your passengers - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYRHQc0SW3U
The fatality count of 270 is an increase of eight since last Monday. In all of 2016, 402 people were killed on Iowa highways. To see statistics published daily by the Office of Driver Services, go to the daily fatality report at https://www.iowadot.gov/mvd/stats/daily.pdf