If you must travel in wintry conditions, remember these safety tips

JACKSON, Tenn. — If you need to get out on the roads as we head into this winter weather, there are some things to remember not only this weekend but anytime we have events similar to this one.

We have been told many times that having a safety kit in your car is always a great precaution to take. There are multiple items on that list that can be helpful to you. Before we list them, why are they important?

“Keeping items in your car is super important cause you never know when, if you’re traveling, you encounter ice or snow you may slide off the road, or you may be stuck for a long amount of time in an area where they may have had a wreck and you’re stuck in traffic for a long amount of time,” said Hardin County EMA Director LaRae Smiley-Sliger.

Smiley-Sliger gave us many great examples of what can be useful.

“Have some water, nonperishable foods, flashlight, extra batteries. If your car quits running you may need to have an emergency weather radio that is like a hand crank so you don’t have to worry about the batteries. But the main thing is the blankets to stay warm,” said Smiley-Sliger.

We were also able to hear from an Alaska state trooper who has much more experience driving in snowy conditions than those of us who have been in West Tennessee for a while.

“And while you’re driving, if you feel yourself start to slide, don’t have any sudden steering inputs, and don’t slam on your brakes. Let off the gas, don’t hit your brakes, recover traction, and then gentle steering inputs. I hope that’s helpful for you guys down there. Stay safe, and have a good one,” said Trooper Erbaum, Alaska state trooper.

Of course it is always recommended to stay off of the roads if you are able to. You can always download our Storm Team Weather app to stay up to date on the current weather conditions at anytime.

Click here for a list of resources to help you stay weather-aware in West Tennessee.

Click here for a list of local warming shelters.