Abby Nadeau
Community Editor

Although Minnesota is experiencing a mild winter that has not been seen in over a 100 years, the snow will come.

We can always count on the late January or February snow falls or even the spring break snowstorm that dumps between 10 and 20 inches of snow all over Minnesota.

Minnesotans can always count on getting snow.

In anticipation, or preparation, of that big snowfall here are a few reminders of what to do when driving in a snowstorm.

Preparation

The Minnesota Safety Council has listed several different items every driver should complete in anticipation of a snowstorm.

Their first reminder is to make sure the vehicle is ready for the winter season. They recommend that vehicles be taken to a mechanic and have it fully serviced.

According to the Safety Council's web site, drivers are told to make sure the "brakes, battery, exhaust and cooling systems, headlights and fluids are all in working order."

They also give a list of items that should be kept in the vehicle as an emergency survival kit. It should include:

ï a metal bucket or coffee can

ï a small candle with matches or a disposable lighter

ï a brightly colored square of cloth such as a bandana or a whistle to alert rescuers

ï a basic first aid kit and any necessary medications

ï a large plastic garbage bag(s) that can be used to insulate feet, legs and torso

ï several pieces of high energy, non-perishable foods

ï bottled water

ï pencil and paper for notes, quarters for phone calls

ï emergency cell phone

Beyond just a survival kit, the vehicle should be stocked with a scraper and brush, a small shovel, jumper cables, tow chain, and a bag of sand or cat litter for traction. Other emergency items should include road flares, sleeping bag, a blanket, extra hat and mittens, boots and flashlights with batteries.

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety also has a list of suggested foods that should be kept in a survival kit as well. They include:

ï raisins in small packets

ïsemi-sweet chocolate pieces for sharing

ï miniature candy bars

ï chewing gum

ï wrapped hard candies

ï food bars

ï canned soup, meat and poultry (don't forget a can opener)

Drivers are also advised, that if they have to travel in a winter storm to first not travel alone, but if they have to, tell someone where they are going and what route they are taking.

Before leaving in a winter storm call 511. The phone number is an informational system that provides road safety information 24 hours a day. By calling the number the driver can hear regional and statewide reports of traffic congestion, road and weather conditions and other obstacles.

Drivers can also visit www.511mn.org where they can see weather maps of the areas in which they will be driving. Or they can read about helpful driving hints.

Stranded

When stranded in a winter storm, the Minnesota Safety Council has a few more suggestions on what to do.

ï Stay in with the vehicle. Do not try to walk to safety. Disorientation occurs quickly in cold temperatures and wind-driven snow. If the driver should leave the car they should write down their name, address, phone number and destination on a piece of paper and leave it on the car somewhere visible.

ï Be visible. Tie a brightly colored banner or cloth on the antenna or hang it out a window.

ï Run the vehicle 10 minutes every hour. Operate the heater and keep the overhead light on to remain visible for rescuers. Keep the exhaust pipe clear to prevent fumes from entering the vehicle, and always leave a down-wind window open slightly to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Keep the radiator free of snow to prevent overheating.

ï Exercise frequently. From time to time move arms, fingers, legs and toes vigorously to keep blood circulating and stay warm. Avoid overexertion. It is important not to get hot and sweaty because wet clothing loses its insulating ability. If there are other people than the driver, the group should huddle together for warmth and sleep in shifts.

By staying in the vehicle the driver can decrease their risks of frostbite or hypothermia.

For more winter safety information there are a number of different web sites to check out including:

ï To see statewide or regional weather or road conditions visit www.511mn.org or call 511.

ï To create a car survival kit or to read more driving tips check out the Minnesota Safety Council's web site at www.minnesotasafetycouncil.org or Minnesota Department of Public Safety visit www.dps.state.mn.us.com.

More information can be found at the National Safety Council at their web site www.nsc.org.

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