LANSING — The Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD) encourages Michigan citizens and visitors to prepare for the holiday travel season by placing emergency preparedness kits in their vehicles.

Michigan winters can produce extremely cold temperatures, large amounts of snow and bursts of freezing rain. In the event of an emergency, help may not be immediately available. By having an emergency preparedness kit in a vehicle, a person can survive until help arrives.

“Road conditions can quickly change for the worse during the winter months,” said Capt. Chris A. Kelenske, Deputy State Director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security and commander of the MSP/EMHSD.  “A vehicle emergency preparedness kit adds a sense of safety and security when traveling to destinations this holiday season. If an incident does happen, you will be prepared and ready.”

Michigan weather is unpredictable any time of year, but especially during the winter months.  If you are stranded in a winter storm, do not leave your vehicle.  Stay with the vehicle and wait for help.

Essential items to include in a vehicle emergency preparedness kit include:

• Hand-crank radio

• Hand-crank flashlight

• Cell phone charger

• Windshield scraper

• Blanket and extra clothes

• Tire repair kit and pump

• Emergency contact list

• De-icer and extra anti-freeze

• “Call Police” or other “Help” sign

• Jumper cables

• Tow chain or rope

• Fire extinguisher

• Cat litter or sand for better tire traction

• Shovel

• Flares

• First aid kit

• Bottled water and nonperishable, high-energy foods (e.g., granola bars, canned nuts, raisins, hard candy, trail mix, peanut butter and crackers)

In addition to having a vehicle emergency preparedness kit, the MSP/EMHSD reminds motorists to take extra precautions when stopping and driving in the winter weather.