Each year, hundreds of Minnesotans find themselves stranded on the roadside.  Winter weather can kill an unprepared person who is exposed to the elements within minutes.

• Assemble winter survival kits for ALL your vehicles.  These items will be readily accessible if kept inside your vehicle all winter.  The kit should include:
• Three-pound coffee can, candle stubs and matches (which can be used to melt snow for additional drinking water)
• Metal cup
• Red bandanna and a plastic whistle to alert rescuers to your location
• Pencil and paper, and quarters for phone calls
• First aid kit – including any essential medications
• Plastic flashlight with spare batteries (reverse the batteries to avoid accidentally turning the power on and burning out the batteries, and replace annually)
• Two large plastic garbage bags and safety pins (bags are for insulating your feet, safety pins keep the bags together)
• Snack foods for energy, such as energy bars or candy bars

• Other items you may want to carry include:  extra sets of dry clothing, heavy jacket and/or snow pants, gloves or mittens, winter boots, blankets, jumper cables, a basic toolbox, shovel, towing cable or chain, bag of sand for traction, road flares and reflectors.

• If you are stranded, never leave your vehicle.  Your chances of survival greatly increase if you stay with your vehicle.

• Consider carrying a cellular phone for use during emergencies.  Find a safe place to pull off the road when you need to make a call.

 Source:  www.mnsafetycouncil.org.