Winter Weather Preparedness

The best course of action to take during winter storms is to stay home, but there are some circumstances that force citizens to take to the roads. Some roads may be in better condition than others, so before leaving, check drivenc.gov for the latest road conditions and traffic cameras.

As road conditions can quickly change, here are some tips to keep you safe:

• Reduce your speed and leave plenty of room between you and other vehicles.
• Approach bridges and overpasses with caution since they often become icy prior to roadways. “Wet” pavement may actually be ice if the temperature is below freezing (32 degrees). Do not push your brakes while on a bridge.
• If you begin to slide, take your foot off the gas and turn the steering wheel in the direction of the slide. Do not push your brakes.
• If you need to pull off the highway, set your directional lights to “flashing.”

If You End Up Stranded

• Do not go out on foot unless you see a building nearby to take shelter.
• If running the engine to keep warm, crack the window open to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Never let everyone in the car sleep at once. One person should stay awake to watch for rescue crews.
• Tie a colored cloth to the antenna or door to make yourself visible.

Identifying Ice, Sleet & Freezing Rain

When driving, ice can be very difficult to recognize. The roadway may appear to be wet when in reality what appears to be water may actually be ice. If the temperature outside is below freezing, ice can form on the roads. Bridges and overpasses often get icy faster than ground pavement.

Sleet occurs when liquid precipitation freezes into an ice pellet just before reaching the ground. It can usually accumulate more efficiently than snow, causing roads and sidewalks to become very dangerous in just a short amount of time.

Freezing rain occurs when liquid precipitation—either rain or melted snow—falls on any frozen surface. The liquid freezes on contact, causing sudden ice issues on roads, sidewalks, trees, power lines, the ground and other surfaces whose temperatures are below freezing.

Get more winter driving tips at weather.gov.

Preparing for winter weather long before it strikes is easy and will go a long way to helping you and your loved ones stay safe through this winter. Take time at the beginning of the winter season to assemble winter survival kits – one for home and one for each vehicle. Having these items on hand will help you avoid having to venture out into hazardous conditions and will help sustain you in the event of widespread power outages or fallen trees that may keep you at home and keep emergency crews from getting to you.

For Your Home

• Several days’ worth of food that needs no cooking or refrigeration, such as bread, crackers, cereal, canned foods, and dried fruits; remember baby food and formula if you have young children
• Other baby items as needed, such as extra diapers
• Several days’ worth of water stored in clean containers, or purchased bottled water (5 gallons per person)
• Several days’ worth of medicines that any family member may need
• Blankets
• Flashlights and/or battery-powered lanterns
• Battery-powered radio and clock
• Extra batteries
• Non-electric can opener
• Snow shovel
• Rock salt, to help melt ice

For Your Vehicle

• Blankets
• Battery-powered NOAA weather radio for the latest storm updates
• Basic first aid kit
• Windshield scrapers and brush
• Jumper cables
• Mobile phone
• Bag of sand or cat litter (to pour on ice or snow for added traction)
• Tow rope
• Small or collapsible shovel
• Container of water and non-perishable, high-energy foods such as granola bars
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Tire repair kit and pump

If you will be traveling to a more snowy location, such as the mountains or in the northern U.S., you’ll want to add other items such as a tow rope and tire chains. But most of all, when driving during wintry weather, you should also bring along your best driving skills and your patience! And remember that if possible, the safest place to be during winter weather is at home. Do not venture out in your vehicle during a winter storm unless it’s absolutely necessary.

Get more winter weather safety tips at weather.gov.