First, you should have a good car kit in every vehicle you own. Take it out and place it in the back seat of the car, especially if you are taking a trip where you may encounter snow. If the road is closed ahead of you and you have to sit and wait for traffic to get moving again you will want your supplies at hand.  This is also important if you have to stop to change a tire, it will be important to put on your emergency vest before you leave the car so you can be more easily seen.

Second, take extra food and water inside the car. Again, if you do need to spend time in your vehicle you will have everything that you would need in there. It is very important to eat when you are trying to keep your body temperature up. So, take food. A thermos of hot cocoa is really a great addition!

Third, have layers available in the car. How often I have placed my coat in the trunk because it takes up so much room. That is great if you can keep the engine running but if you can’t you will want that coat. Take a sweater, gloves and a warm hat inside the vehicle also.

Fourth, make sure the cell phone is charged before you leave home.

Fifth, let your family know which route you will be taking to get to their home. If you should be caught in a storm they will then know where to begin looking for you.

Sixth, throw in a blanket. You should have a wool blanket in your car kit. If you do bring it inside the car. If you don’t be sure to take a blanket or two with you, again,  inside the car. On a trip from Utah to California one winter our heater stopped working in our car. I was already sick and we had to stop to purchase a sleeping bag for me to crawl into so I could get warm. It was a really miserable trip. All three of us had on a sweater, coat, gloves and a hat and I had my sleeping bag and our son had a blanket. My poor husband had to drive. Awful!

Seventh, NEVER go to sleep in a car with the car running.  You could be at risk of dying from carbon monoxide poisoning.  If you have family traveling to see you remind them of this.

Finally, take along a good book or some magazines and a few great CD’s just in case you have to wait out a storm, accident or road closure. Be patient, it’s more important to arrive safely than to arrive “on time”.

Article from: blog.totallyready.com