Road Rules

Hitting the road this holiday? In some areas winter weather means snow, sleet and ice that can lead to slower traffic, hazardous road conditions and unseen dangers. Are you prepared? According to a recent FEMA survey, 52 percent of people reported having supplies set aside for use in a disaster.

If your travel needs call for driving in wintry weather, prepare your car for the trip by updating your vehicle emergency kit with:

• Booster cables;
• Blankets, hats, socks, and mittens;
• Road salt or sand; and
• A fluorescent distress flag.

While on the road, follow these driving techniques to ensure you reach your destination safely:

• Decrease your speed and leave plenty of room to stop;
• Break gently to avoid skidding;
• Do not use cruise control or overdrive on icy roads; and
• Turn on your lights to increase your visibility to others.

Road conditions can change quickly! Should disaster strike when traveling, use the Disaster Reporter feature on the FEMA app to send photos of your location for first responders and response teams to view. You can also keep up with weather forecasts using your NOAA weather radio to plan ahead! Remember safety first. If weather conditions are too severe, it’s best not to drive.

Also, have a fully charged Cell phone in hand before leaving.  Tell people on both ends of the trip when you leave and your route.

As always, Ham Radio can be a lifesaver in an emergency when the Cell Phone is dead.

Happy Thanksgiving.