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Wednesday's weather caused accidents, power outages and headaches for many, but the best way to handle Old Man Winter is to be prepared.
If you have to venture outside when the weather is bad, especially in icy, frigid or snowy conditions, it's important to make sure your vehicle is properly maintained.
"That's something that you should be doing prior to the storm happening," Roanoke County Fire and Rescue Division Chief, Steve Simon told your Hometown News Leader. "Make sure your battery is fully charged, make sure you have good tires, that's a real good thing. Windshield wiper blades, that sounds simple, but when they freeze up and everything that becomes a hazard. "
Another way to be ready for a winter emergency on the road is to stow some important supplies in the car:
-Start with a warm coat, gloves, boots and other winter weather gear in case you get stranded on a cold night.
-Don't forget windshield wiper fluid, a scraper and a shovel, they can help in a snow or ice storm.
-Have a flashlight handy in case the car battery dies.
-A car phone charger is also useful if you have battery power so you can make emergency calls.
-Non-persishable food and water is also a good idea to have. You never know how long it can take for help to arrive.
-Don't forget to have some extra cash--a service provider or cab driver may not take credit cards or checks.
-And if you take medications, always have a supply in the car--again, it may take hours before you find yourself home.
Flares can also be useful, especially along dark or desolate roads and are available at any hardware store.
Also, a reflective vest comes in handy. It makes you visible to other drivers if you have to get out of your car. You can even put in your back wind-shield so oncoming traffic can see your disabled car.