Winter: Trouble if not prepared

Even the weatherman can get caught in a snowstorm.

So you can take the experienced advice of weather expert Brian Smith: Be prepared for winter driving conditions. You'll be safer, and others using the road will too.

Today is Winter Weather Awareness Day in Nebraska, and it's Smith's job, as warning coordination meteorologist for the National Weather Service office in Valley, to spread the word.

Have no doubt, he says, a snow shovel is a handy thing to have in your car. His shovel was put to good use several years back, when his old rear-wheel drive Ford Crown Victoria fishtailed and got stuck on a snowy road in the Skyline Ranches-Chapel Hill neighborhood.

“It can happen,” said Smith. “Being prepared is a good thing.”

Contact the writer:

444-1102, nancy.gaarder@owh.com

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To be prepared: the National Weather Service and others recommend:

Plan ahead

--Check latest weather report and road conditions.

--Be sure your vehicle is in good shape: gas tank full, tires with plenty of tread, fluid levels full, everything working.

--Let someone know your route and schedule

Conditions can change quickly

--One-half degree in temperature can make a difference in whether it rains or snows — and that one-half degree can occur at any point from the Earth's surface to 3,000 feet up.

If you get stranded in a vehicle:

--Stay in your car or truck; You quickly can become disoriented in wind-driven snow, and you're more vulnerable to the cold if you're outdoors.

--Make your vehicle visible: Tie a bright ribbon to the antenna or door; raise the hood after the snow stops.

--Stay warm — safely. Run the engine about 10 minutes each hour for heat and crack your window to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Be sure the exhaust pipe isn't blocked.

--Vigorously exercise arms, legs, fingers and toes from time to time.

Emergency supplies

--Fully charged cell phone, extra battery.

--Shovel, sack of sand or cat litter.

--High-calorie, nonperishable food such as energy bars.

--Three large empty metal cans: one for melting snow to drink; another for sanitary purposes; another as a makeshift heater.

--Matches, tissue paper, paper towels and candles to use with the cans for melting snow, cleanliness and generating heat.

--Water container.

--Blanket or sleeping bag.

--Extra clothing to keep dry.

--Flashlight with extra batteries.

--Windshield scraper and brush.

--Tool kit, first-aid kit, knife.

--Tow rope, booster cables.

--Transistor radio with extra batteries.

--Compass and road maps.

Warning definitions:

--Winter weather advisory: Weather could cause significant inconvenience and may be hazardous.

--Winter storm warning: Severe weather has begun or is about to begin. Stay indoors.

--Blizzard warning: Snow and strong winds will produce near-zero visibility, deep drifts and life-threatening wind chill. Seek refuge immediately.

--Road reports: www.safetravelusa.com.

At home:

--Assemble an at-home emergency kit and communication plan. Your at-home preparations should include at least a week's supply of food and medication.