Even if you don't take a lot of out of town trips during the winter, it is easy to accidently slide of a road or ramp in heavy snow.  People have actually died because they became stranded with no one nearby to help and they weren't prepared for the cold.

To avoid potential disaster this winter, there are some simple items you should have in your car at all times.  MSN.com tells us that these are the "must haves."

-Bottles of water.  You want the smaller bottles that can be squeezed into different spaces in your vehicle.

-Protein & high energy bars.  Choose the ones with the most calories but least sugar.

-A head lamp or good flashlight.  It's not easy to change a tire in the dark.

-Survival candles and matches.  It gets dark early in the winter and you want to be seen.

-Prescribed medications.  If there is medication you MUST take, you should have it with you.

-Blankets.  Emergency or space blankets are the best.  Have one for each passenger.

-First aid kit.  You want one with bandages, antiseptic crème and hand sanitizer.

-Small Shovel and broom.  The snow can pile up fast.  Keep it off your car.

-Cell Phone Charger.  You probably already have on in your car.

-A Whistle.  If they can't see you they can hear you.  it will also scare off any potential bad guys.

-Emergency Flares.  If your car is in a snowbank on the side of the road, you want the plow drivers to see you.

-Wipes.  Don't risk getting sick if you are stranded due to poor hygiene.

These are items that can actually save your life or make it easier in case you are stranded this winter here in Upstate New York.

 

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