We had a freakish snowstorm here last week. Reminded me that the little decisions we make every day could lead to tragedy. Here are some every day things you can do to lessen the chances of that happening:
Keep your gas tank full
For some, a 1 hour drive home took 7 or more. You don't want to run out of gas when it's significantly below freezing, you're in the middle of a desert or a bad neighborhood.
Keep your cell phone charged
When the poop hits the fan, you're going to be making a lot of calls and frequent references to your GPS map. The latter, especially, drains power. Make sure you walk out the door fully charged. Also, it wouldn't hurt to bring along a chord to charge up if you get the chance.
Keep abreast of the weather
This has to be more than just listening to the updates on the eights. I mean, grok the weather. What are the experts predicting? How could the forecast vary? What is the worst case scenario? Act accordingly.
Keep abreast of the news
Related issues can have a significant impact. Does your jurisdiction have enough budget for plowing? Is there unrest that could escalate in an emergency?
If in doubt, stay home
Seriously, is what you're doing something for which you should risk your life?
This idiot's story is a case in point. Was going to work that day worth what he risked? I mean, c'mon, he made a dash across an interstate highway!
I strongly urge anyone who has yet to do so to read Deep Survival: Who Lives, Who Dies, and Why, which I reviewed previously (Book Review: Deep Survival).
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We always have food and water in our cars. Just in case! You never know when you have a flat tire or get stuck somewhere in the middle of nowhere. The kids will be hungry or thirsty within minutes. I can guarantee it! You're upset, the kids are miserable... Get yourself a car emergency kit. Include blankets, water, some of these MayDay bars ( http://www.shelfreliancesanantonio.com/jmp/jmp_bar.php) and something for the kids to do while you figure out how to get back on the road.
MayDay Bars, excellent idea! And also a good point about the kids. You can't expect them to grok the situation right away, so it is best to distract them. Probably applies to quite a few adults, too.
Thanks for the input.