Police offer tips for drivers who may become stranded

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – To help Indiana drivers prepare for the winter storm Wednesday and Thursday, Indiana State Police have compiled a list of helpful tips.Be prepared:

• Necessary travel only.
• Before traveling, check the forecast and let someone know your travel route.
• Keep your gas tank at least half-full.
• Carry a winter driving kit that should include blankets, flashlight, extra batteries, a brightly colored cloth, sand (or cat litter), shovel, candle, matches, non-perishable high calorie food, first aid kit, and jumper cables.
• Have a cell phone and charger cord available.
• Slow down on snow/ice covered roads.
• Allow extra time to arrive at your destination.
• Clear all vehicle windows of ice and snow. Remove snow from hood, roof, and lights.
• Use extra caution when driving across bridges, underpasses, shaded areas and intersections where ice is slow to melt.
• Avoid abrupt stops and starts. Slow down gradually.

Should you become stranded:

• Don’t leave your car. It’s the best protection you have.
• Hang a brightly colored cloth out of your vehicle’s window.
• Roll down your window a small amount to allow fresh air in your vehicle.
• Keep the exhaust pipe free of blockage to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Don’t panic.  An idling car uses less than a gallon of gas per hour.

A strong storm system arrived in central Indiana overnight Tuesday and will last through a good part of the day Thursday.

For Indiana road conditions call 1-800-261-7623, or click here. Police have asked that people not call dispatch centers for road conditions, as they’ll be extremely busy with the storm and any emergency calls that come from it.