Holiday Travel Safety Tips

With the holiday travel season underway, the Michigan State Police want to remind drivers to always be prepared especially when driving in very snowy conditions. If you do get stranded during a winter storm, troopers advise drivers not to leave a vehicle while waiting for help. Troopers also recommend keeping an eye on the weather forecast and to reschedule or postpone your trip if conditions look dangerous. If you do head out in winter weather, make sure you have enough time to reach your destination safely. Houghton County Emergency Measures Coordinator Jack Dueweke says there are many things you can do but it all starts with your gas tank.

The Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division lists the following as essential times to include in a vehicle emergency preparedness kit:

Hand-crank radio
Hand-crank flashlight
Cell phone charger
Windshield scraper
Blanket and extra clothes
Tire repair kit and pump
Emergency contact list
De-icer and extra anti-freeze
“Call Police” or other “Help” sign
Jumper cables
Tow chain or rope
Fire extinguisher
Cat litter or sand for better tire traction
Shovel
Flares
First aid kit
Bottled water and nonperishable, high-energy foods (e.g., granola bars, canned nuts, raisins, hard candy, trail mix, peanut butter and crackers)