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We drove to my in-laws' home some 33 miles away on winter day. With a backdrop of blue sky, the sun shined brightly, so who would suspect that on the way we would encounter blizzard conditions. More than half way to our destination, a curtain of white snow blinded us. We couldn't see the roads to make turns and ended up in a ditch. Thankfully, our daughter had her bedroom pillow with her, which my husband placed under the rear tire to keep from digging deeper into the ditch and to use for traction to get us out of it.

Having lived all of my life in a snow belt area, allow me to share some winter weather tips:

1. Outer Wear Attire. If not so inclined to wear the full traditional winter gear, at least carry it along with you. Though the sky is blue when you walk out of your home in the morning, it may be blustery upon your return. There's a potential for you to end up in a ditch, the car's heater could quit, the gas tank could be on empty, etc. How much easier and more comfortable it is to take a couple minutes to gather coat, hat, gloves and boots and take them with you than to be stuck without them.

2. Blanket. More than once over the years a wool blanket, that was kept in the car for emergencies, has come in handy. One such time was during a blizzard. My husband could not read the road signs, since they were covered in snow. We ended up lost. He was going to turn around in someone's driveway when he backed up into a ditch. The blanket provided the traction required to keep the back wheel from spinning a deeper hole. Another time, the heater broke down. I was thankful that we had a wool blanket to wrap around myself and our infant son.

3. Snow Shovel. Nobody wants to actually use a snow shovel, but it certainly is handy to have when stuck and a little shoveling will get you on your way. How about the times you drive to your destination and the snow plows have not been there yet? Your shovel comes in handy to make a path so you're not trekking in snow up to your knees.

4. Salt or Sand. Once again, by having a little salt or sand in your car's trunk, you are prepared to spread it if needed to prevent falls by yourself or your passengers.

5. Drinking Water. One never knows when there will be a delay in traffic, car breakdown or, as already mentioned, you get stuck in snow or ice. By having drinking water, you won't get dehydrated.

6. Emergency Kit. It's only early December and already I have used the folding shovel, the blanket and the flashlight that is in our car's emergency kit. Should we need booster cables, bandages, emergency flashers or work gloves, we know they are with us.

7. Candles and Matches or Lighter. In case of being stuck without heat for a period of time, a lit candle will provide warmth and light. It will also substitute for a flashlight when its batteries wear down.

Learn more about this author, Joyce George.
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