With the first snowfall to stick having come recently, it’s more important now than ever to make sure your emergency kit in your vehicle is prepared.

Adair and Guthrie County Emergency Management Coordinator Bob Kempf says that once there is precipitation on the ground, whether it be snow, rain or ice, it’s important to make sure that you’re prepared in case you might get stranded after driving into a ditch. He tells Raccoon Valley Radio that there are a few things to include in your emergency kit to help out.

“To use, if you would happen to get stranded, like a bright colored piece of cloth, or something like that, that you can tie on the antenna or put out your window. And then the things that can help you with your mobility, some sand or kitty litter to help with traction. Things like that are important to get back into your vehicle.”

Kempf explains that sand and kitty litter help make slick surfaces gritty, and that’s how they give you more traction. He mentions that another way to catch attention in case you need help is to open your hood, unless it’s snowing because you don’t want to get snow in the engine block.

Kempf also warns that if you do become stranded, do not leave your vehicle. He says that every year, there are cases of people dying because they leave their cars, thinking they can walk to help, but get disoriented in the snow, adding that this is especially dangerous in blizzard conditions.