You should stay off the roads during a blizzard or snowstorm if at all possible. But if you absolutely can’t avoid it, here’s what you should know.
Your fully charged cell phone, with a portable charger if you have one
If you get stranded on the side of the road during a snowstorm and can't get yourself un-stuck, you should call for help immediately, Bill Van Tassel, Ph.D., an expert in safety education and manager of driver training programs at AAA, tells BuzzFeed Life. Call 911, and stay on the line with the dispatcher for as long as you need to.
You should also get in touch with loved ones to let them know where you are and what happened.
The portable charger pictured above gets good reviews on Amazon and is only $24.99. Get it here.
EasyAcc / Via amazon.com
Flares or reflective triangles to increase your visibility
"It's so people can see you and avoid hitting you with their own cars," Van Tassel says. It'll also help any rescue workers spot you in blizzard white-out conditions, day or night.
The reflective triangle pictured above is heavy-duty, and meant to withstand strong winds. It's also visible during the day and the night. Get it here.
AAA / Via amazon.com
Blankets and/or sleeping bags
To keep you warm in case you have to spend a few hours — or a full night — in your car. This one from AAA is easy to store and has a fleece interior with a water-resistant exterior, and it's only $19.99. Get it here.
