Watch CBS News

CDOT Says Now Is The Time To Prepare For Winter Driving

DENVER (CBS4) - The Colorado Department of Transportation and the  Colorado Office of Emergency Management have released some tips for getting a vehicle prepared for the winter.

This week is Colorado Winter Weather Awareness Week.

"This time of year, winter weather can strike at any time, which means we all need to get our emergency kits and vehicles ready for winter travel," CDOT Executive Director Don Hunt said in a statement. "Early preparation will help ensure the safety of those traveling Colorado highways during inclement weather."

The first step in preparing for winter is putting together an emergency kit for the vehicle. Emergency kit should include the following:

- Flares/reflectors to signal for help and warn other motorists
- Sturdy scraper/snow brush/snow shovel to clear snow
- Battery or crank-powered radio to listen to emergency broadcasts
- Flashlight with extra batteries or crank-powered flashlight
- Survival blanket or sleeping bag
- Chemical hand warmers
- Extra set of clothes, including coat, hat, mittens, boots, etc.
- Water for each person and pet in your car
- Food items containing protein such as nuts and energy bars; canned fruit and a portable can opener
- First Aid Kit and essential medications
- Tire chains and tow strap
- Non-clumping kitty litter/sand for traction
-Jumper cables
- Extra cloth or paper towels for cleanup if necessary
- Deck of cards or board game for entertainment

In addition to the emergency kit, be sure to check the vehicle before any road trip to make sure it is in safe operating condition.

- Windshield Wiper Fluid
- Heater/Defroster
- Wiper Blades
- Antifreeze
- Lights
- Fuel System and a Full Tank of Gas
- Ignition
- Exhaust System
- Tire Tread
- Battery Brakes

Officials recommend that if you find yourself stranded, stay in your vehicle, turn on your flashers, call for help and wait until it arrives.

Plan ahead when traveling by calling 511 or visiting www.cotrip.org for real-time road information. Winter weather awareness information and updates are also posted by the Office of Emergency Management at www.COEmergency.com or on Twitter at COEmergency using the #COwx hashtag.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.