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Virginia residents urged to prepare for Saturn

Snow and slick weather predicted for region

Virginia (March 6, 2013)

A large winter weather system is predicted to hit western and central Virginia over the next couple days. Although temperatures are expected to be mild, we are expecting significant snow, possible power outages, and deterioration of road conditions.

According to a recent State Farm® survey, only 9 percent of people had all the necessary safety items in the trunk of their car. Be prepared and make sure your car has the following items before the storm:

• Jumper cables
• Spare tire
• Hazard triangle/road flares
• Flashlight
• First aid kit
• Water
• Blanket
• Small shovel, ice scraper and brush
• Tow and tire chains
• Basic tool kit
• Bad of road salt or cat litter
• Extra windshield wiper fluid and antifreeze
• Wooden patches
• High-energy, non-perishable food
• Cell phone charger
• Blanket and warm clothing

Winter driving conditions can turn treacherous in an instant. Snow, ice, poor visibility, and extreme cold can disable your vehicle or make roads impassable. Even on a relatively short trip, you can find yourself stranded for several hours. It's important to know how to handle roadside emergencies.

• Pull off the highway, if possible, turn on your hazard lights or light flares, and hang a distress flag from an antenna or window.
• Call 911 if you have a phone and describe your location as precisely as possible.
• Remain in your vehicle so help can find you.
• Run your vehicle's engine and heater about 10 minutes each hour to keep warm. Open a downwind window slightly for ventilation and clear snow from the exhaust pipe to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Exercise a little to maintain body heat, but avoid overexertion and sweating.
• Drink fluids to avoid dehydration.
• Conserve your vehicle's battery. Use lights, heat, and radio sparingly.
• At night, turn on an inside light when you run the engine so help can see you.

After the storm, avoid travel until roads are clear. If you must go out, use public transportation. The Red Cross reports around 70 percent of deaths related to ice and snow occur in automobiles.

If you must be on the road following the storm, follow these tips:

• Never warm up your vehicle in a closed garage.
• Keep your gas tank at least half full to prevent gas line freeze-up.
• Make sure your exhaust pipe is not clogged with mud or snow.
• Don't use cruise control on icy roads.
• Allow more time for braking when visibility is poor.
• Stay calm if you start to skid.

Contact

Amy Preddy
State Farm Public Affairs
Phone: (434) 872-5211
Cell: (434) 981-3071

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