01-06-10

More information on how to stay safe this winter from the Indiana State Police

Stranded In Cold Weather

With the temperatures below freezing, a vehicle becoming disabled can make for a life or death situation.

The Indiana State Police would like to offer a few tips that could save your life:

• Before you leave check the weather forecast and let someone know your route of travel.

• Always keep your gas tank full when driving in cold weather.

• Carry a winter survival kit in your car which is to include: blankets, flashlight, extra batteries, brightly colored cloth, sand or a bag of cat litter, shovel, candles and matches, non perishable high calorie foods, (nuts, raisins, and candy bars), newspapers (for insulation), a first aid kit and jumper cables.

• Do not leave your car if stranded, it is your best protection. Do not panic, an idling car only uses one gallon of gas per hour.

• Roll down a window a very small amount for fresh air.

• Make sure the car’s exhaust pipe is not blocked to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

• Leave your dome light on.

• If at all possible carry a cell phone, and call 911.

The tips provided sound simple and include several items to place in your car, but they could save your or a family member’s life.

For Indiana road conditions between December 1^st and March 31^st, call 800-261- ROAD (7623) or visit TrafficWise.IN.gov

01-06-10

Tomorrow will be probably the worst weather day yet of this winter.

Sgt. Curt Dernil has some tips for all of us on how to be safe on the roads when there is inclement weather.

Winter Weather Driving Tips

*CLEAR ALL WINDOWS.

*TURN HEADLIGHTS ON EVEN DURING DAYLIGHT HOURS.

*DON’T USE CRUISE CONTROL WHEN THE ROADS ARE SLICK.

*WATCH FOR BLACK ICE.

*BRIDGES, RAMPS AND OVERPASSES ARE THE FIRST TO FREEZE.

*REDUCE YOUR SPEED TO ACCOMMODATE ROAD CONDITIONS.

*INCREASE YOUR DISTANCE BETWEEN VEHICLES.

*DON’T DRIVE BEYOND YOUR CONFIDENCE LEVEL.

*KEEP A WINTER SURVIVAL KIT IN YOUR VEHICLE.

*BUCKLE EVERYONE UP, INCLUDING CHILDREN IN CHILD SEATS.

*PUT DOWN ELECTRONIC DEVICES AND DRIVE CAUTIOUSLY.

*MOVE OVER AND SLOW DOWN FOR EMERGENCY VEHICLES.

*FOR ROAD CONDITIONS: VISIT INDOT’S WEB SITE TrafficWise.IN.gov OR DIAL 1-800-261-ROAD, (7623).

Sorry about the ALL CAPS, but this is important.

WGCL is your source for local school closings this winter! Check this page and listen to FM 95.9 and AM1370, WGCL, when severe winter weather strikes to find out more about local school cancellations.

WGCL wants to help you prepare for upcoming Winter weather. Catch WGCL Weather updates every hour and be sure to download a Winter weather preparedness guide, courtesy of the National Weather Service.