AAA explains what you need to keep in your car if you're driving through a winter storm

AccuWeather

AccuWeather's Ali Reid caught up with AAA spokesperson Jana Tidwell as snow began to fall in Delaware on Feb. 11, learning everything she keeps in her car to stay safe.

Transcript

00:00I'll read is live right now in Wilmington, Delaware with more on the situation there alley

00:08Guys and perfect timing here in Wilmington, Delaware, right the snow starting to come down about 45 minutes ago

00:14I 95 by the way directly behind me still moving steadily this evening

00:19But that could potentially change as the snow continues to come down throughout the evening here

00:24We figured this would be the perfect opportunity to talk to triple-a as people are still navigating the roadways Jada

00:30We know that that's gonna be a potentially an issue later on tonight and really really early tomorrow morning

00:35And that could be a problem spot for people

00:37Absolutely anytime the roadway is compromised by winter weather it is an alert and we issue

00:43You know caution to motorists to really slow it down

00:47Give yourself plenty of extra time and increase your following distance

00:51This is mostly going to be a snow event

00:54So it really is just about slowing it down and there's a reason why we chose this location

01:00I-95 we were talking about it earlier

01:01We know 95 in general can cause problems in situations with very little snow like we're seeing right now

01:07But you think back to major problem issues that have happened over past years along the I-95 corridor

01:14I-95 is so heavily traveled that anytime there's a weather event like this

01:19Anything could happen and people don't think it could happen to them

01:21But three years ago, we saw I-95 in Virginia closed for nearly 24 hours due to a major snow and ice event

01:29So we always tell people no one ever plans to get stuck

01:32But it's always better to be prepared and have what you might need just in case now

01:36I like how you gave that answer because I think that'll lead into a really good position into what we're about to show next which

01:40Is the back of your vehicle by the way always prepared for any situation as you should be

01:45But with this you have a massive trunk of supplies that people should have with them when they are dealing with possible

01:53Scenarios like this. Yeah, everyone always asks me including you. Do I really have all of this? Of course, it's true

01:59I really do. I don't drive around with it displayed this way

02:02But yeah, it can consolidate easily and it only takes getting stuck once I can tell you from personal experience

02:09And you'll never leave home without this kind of stuff

02:12So for your winter vehicle emergency kit tonight would be the time if you're planning to head out tomorrow

02:17To pack this and forget about it for the rest of the winter

02:21Everyone thinks of jumper cables and a first-aid kit flashlight flares

02:26That's the staple 12 months out of the year

02:28but for the winter months you need some extra things that are unique to winter weather a

02:33collapsible snow shovel a snow brush to clean off your car the ice scraper because it is

02:39Imperative that you clean every bit of snow and ice off of your vehicle before you move

02:43So you need that and there's also some other interesting things in there, too. I see a tidy cats in there, too

02:49There's a reason why you may have that in the trunk as well

02:52of course, if you're in a situation where you need to increase the traction under your tires a

02:57Bottle of rock salt or cat litter in your car will help you throw that under the tires and you'll get better traction

03:03Really interesting. Okay, really quickly before you have to send it back

03:06There are a few other things in there. A lot of those things will help tomorrow morning like cleaning off the front of your car

03:12Absolutely de-icer spray extra washer fluid because DelDOT has done an amazing job of brining out here

03:17We need to make sure that you get all of that off your windshield to increase your visibility

03:22non-perishable snack foods extra bottles of water those kinds of things and depending on who's with you if you or anyone else requires medication

03:31special foods like for pets or

03:33Infants toddlers make sure you have all of that as well because again

03:37No one ever plans to get stuck all important tips. You also mentioned DelDOT in the next hour

03:41We're actually gonna be talking to DelDOT as well a little bit more information about what they're doing and what they've been doing over

03:47The last couple of hours to prep the roads here in Wilmington, Delaware guys. We're gonna send it back to you

03:51All right, good stuff family always making it happen there

03:54Thanks for that report there in Wilmington, Delaware all three counties in Delaware seeing steady snow right now snow increasing in this area

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