This week’s Do 1 thing tip continues with Emergency Supplies: Create an emergency supply kit for your pet, your car, and your workplace or school.

Disasters can strike when you are away from home. If your office or school does not have an emergency kit, offer to help make one. The kit should include:

• First aid supplies

• Flashlights or light sticks

• Building emergency procedures

• Building maps showing evacuation and shelter areas

• Pens or pencils

• Signs with the words “Need Help” and “All Clear”

• Clipboard with class/staff names

Make or buy an emergency kit for your car. If you travel with your pet regularly, make sure that you have an emergency kit for them as well. Some items to think about for your car kit are: a small first aid kit, flashlight or light sticks, flares or reflective cones, a blanket, cell phone charger, jumper cables, bottled water, non-perishable snacks, and a “help” flag or brightly colored cloth that can be tied to the antenna.

WOW! Did you notice the snow we received this week? I think it took us all by surprise. Usually I have a few more weeks until I publish safe winter driving tips. I think I shall publish them now.

Police recommend stocking your car with a winter survival kit that should include a shovel, blanket, water and cell phone charger, among other things. It’s also a good time to review winter driving skills. Driving too fast for the conditions is the number one cause of crashes in bad weather.

You should make sure your tire pressure is at its recommended level and that you have enough windshield wiper fluid. Clear ice and snow from all your windows and lights so you can see other drivers and other drivers can see you. If you do get stuck in the snow, do not get out of your car.  Stay where you are and call for help.

Michigan State Police recommend keeping a bag of salt or kitty litter in your car, which you can pour it in the path of your car’s wheels to help get traction if you get stuck.

Take your time, leave early, and drive safely.

 

Any questions or comments, please contact me at TrooperRob53@yahoo.com or 269-683-4411