WILLMAR -- With west central Minnesota's first winter storm on the horizon today, Minnesota drivers need to have their vehicles prepared with the right emergency equipment.
"Probably the most important (item) is the cell phone and some way to charge the cell phone," said Dan Erickson, an officer with the Willmar Police Department. "The way things are nowadays, you can triangulate (a person's location). Or you can call for help if you get stuck, instead of waiting for help."
Although a cell phone makes winter storm survival a little easier by maintaining communication with the outside world, Erickson said some of the best supplies can fit into an old coffee can, like small candles, matches and snacks. The can is used to hold snow melted over the candle for drinking water.
Other items suggested by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety are a plastic flashlight with spare batteries, a large plastic garbage bag and safety pins to create extra insulation for your feet, a whistle and a red bandanna or cloth to alert rescuers to your location.
Erickson also said a shovel and snow scraper would be good items to store in the trunk of a vehicle, along with a bag of kitty litter or sand that can be used to create traction.
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Erickson said travelers can handle the winter weather with these basic, and relatively cheap, items.
In addition to the "bare minimums" for winter storm survival, Erickson said people should dress sensibly for the weather or at least carry a winter jacket, blanket or old snowmobile suit in their vehicle.
"I stopped a girl on her way to school Thursday and all she was wearing was a sweatshirt," Erickson said. "That's all she had for a coat in the car. It's like 'c'mon, think about this.'"
According to a news release from Susie Wistrom of the Red Cross Central Minnesota Chapter, wearing multiple layers, a form of headwear and mittens can prevent the loss of body heat. The Red Cross also suggests packing booster cables, a first-aid kit, a compass, road maps and a tow rope with your coffee can of supplies.
Although Minnesota endures an extended winter, Erickson said there are usually only two scenarios during the season that bring law enforcement into the travel picture: large rain storms and blizzard conditions. Either way, Erickson said, both scenarios reflect times when Minnesotans shouldn't be driving in the first place.
Additional information is available on a Department of Public Safety's Web page at www.winterweather .
state.mn.us.
