City of St. Paul Park 

If the forecast is ominous, plan ahead before you drive.

PREPARE YOUR VEHICLE

• Clean windows inside and out
• Fill up windshield washer fluid
• Be sure tires have good tread and are properly inflated.
• Use your headlights even if ti's daytime so you can see better and others can see you.
• Clear snow, frost and ice off all windows and exterior lights before you go.
• Keep your gas tank at least 1/2 full.

WINTER DRIVING SURVIVAL KIT

Use an empty-pound coffee can or any similar container with a plastic cover to store the following items.  Store safety items in the passenger compartment when severe weather threatens in case the trunk is jammed or frozen shut.

• Small candles and matches
• Small, sharp knife and plastic spoons
• Red bandanna or cloth--tie bandanna to your antenna or hang it out the window.  At night, keep your dome light on.  Rescue crews can see a small glow at a distance.  To reduce battery drain, use emergency flashers only if you hear approaching vehicles.
• Pencil and paper
• Large plastic garbage bat
• Safety pins
• Whistle--to attract attention
• Snacks--choose small packages of food that you can eat hot or cold. (raisins, miniature candy bars, gum, hard candies, food bars, canned soup or meats that does not require a can opener).
• Cell phone adapter to plug into lighter
• Plastic flashlight and spare batteries--Reverse batteries in the flashlight to avoid accidental switching and burnout. Warm batteries before using them. 

Additional items to consider:

• Necessary medications
• 30-foot cord to use as homing line when you must exit the vehicle.
• Booster cables
• Basic tools
• Sand, cat litter or other grit in a plastic milk carton
• Shovel
• Tow cables or chain
• Sleeping bag or blankets
• Road flares and reflectors
• Snowmobile suit and heavy boots

EMERGENCY PHONE CALLS
If you become stranded and you have a cell phone, call 911 to summon help.

• Provide information on your location, condition of all persons in the vehicle and the problem you are experiencing.
• Follow instructions; you may be told to stay where you are and wait for rescuers
• Do not hang up until you know who you have spoken with and what will happen next.
• If you must leave your vehicle, write down your name, address, phone number and destination.  Place the piece of paper inside the front windshield for someone to see.