CODE WINTER

PHOTO:  Mailee Her

Frigid cold and piles of snow are WAY too familiar if you live in Wisconsin. This winter will be no different.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has predicted this winter to be as memorable – and even wetter – than the previous one.

Last year, Green Bay piled up 74.0 inches of snow! So, whether you love it or hate it, you should be ready for it: Be an early bird and stock up on your emergency kit before it snows and you’re stuck.

Here are some essentials to keep in your car this winter:

Clothing and blankets
You’ll need to wait a while for help if you get stuck in a ditch somewhere. Stay warm while waiting. Gloves, hats and blankets will come in handy!

Salt or Kitty Litter
Getting out of a ditch can be tricky if you are battling ice underneath you. Keep a small bag of salt or cat litter in your trunk in case you get stuck.

Ice scraper
This is a winter essential! Frosty windows? No problem if you purchase an ice scraper before temperatures drops – which is NOW!

Shovel
A shovel will come in handy on a weekly basis this winter. Whether you’re stuck in a ditch or your parking space is full of snow, you need one in your car.

Phone charger
Whether you get stuck in a ditch or your car suddenly shuts down, you will need to call for help. Make sure your phone isn’t dead!

Chain or rope
If salt or cat litter doesn’t do the job, you might need something stronger to help you out. Purchase a chain or rope just in case!

Avoid the ditch; Six Tips on how to stay safe while driving this winter:

• Before leaving, clear off car completely; lights too. Defrost all windows
• Keep gas tank around a half tank to avoid freezing the gas lines
• Drive slowly, take your time
• Don’t follow too closely to the car/truck in front of you; allow extra space
• Take foot off gas when hitting ice, brake slowly but not too hard 😊
• Don’t use cruise control during bad winter conditions

Be prepared! Stay alert and safe on the roads this winter!

WRITTEN by MOJO: Jessica Amo, Mailee Her, Oda Bekkestad

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