12/19/12 The holiday season means extra travel time for many Hoosiers, and with past Indiana winter weather conditions it’s important to keep safety in mind on and off the road. A great holiday gift idea might be a winter preparedness kit for the car, or an all-hazards radio, especially for those who are hard to buy for.

The Indiana Department of Homeland Security encourages keeping a preparedness kit in the vehicle and obtaining an all-hazards radio for weather safety updates.

“What better way to show loved ones you care than to give them the gift of safety this holiday,” said IDHS Executive Director Joe Wainscott. “In the event of a winter storm, it’s imperative to have the necessary supplies to keep warm and safe for an extended time. Keeping a winter preparedness kit in your vehicle and having an all-hazards radio at home could help save lives.”

Hazardous winter driving conditions induce many accidents. Being prepared to handle anything that winter storms may bring is a crucial step to take in preparation for the next few months.

Items to keep in your vehicle’s winter preparedness kit should include:

  • At least two blankets or a sleeping bag
  • Flashlight or battery-powered/hand crank lantern and extra batteries
  • Booster cables
  • Emergency flares
  • Extra clothing (hats, boots and mittens)
  • Steel shovel and rope
  • Bottled water or juice and nonperishable high-energy foods (granola bars, raisins, nuts,  peanut butter/cheese crackers)
  • Thermos or container that won’t allow liquids to freeze
  • First-aid kit and necessary medications
  • Sand or non-clumping cat litter for tire traction if your vehicle gets stuck in snow or ice
  • A cell phone and charger which can be adapted to vehicle use
  • Tire repair kit and pump
  • Candles, matches, heat sticks/packs, lighters, hand-warmers, etc. (Be sure to crack the window if you are using a heat source inside of the vehicle).
  • Lock your vehicle, even in bad weather. If locks freeze, heat the key but do not pour hot water on the locks—they will refreeze.

For more information about safety this holiday season, visit GetPrepared.in.gov.

Leadership for a Safe and Secure Indiana