Are You & Your Car Ready for the Next Polar Vortex?

Last year showed us that winter weather can come sooner, end later, and hit unsuspecting parts of the country. That could mean heavy snows, dangerous ice and some altogether rough driving conditions. It could also mean unforeseen time stuck in your car. State Farm wants to help drivers prepare themselves and their cars for the unexpected…especially for the next polar vortex.

Just ask some central Mississippi residents about lessons learned from the January 28th, 2014 polar vortex storm that took over much of the U.S. What made the late January storm so shocking was it affected parts of the country, like central Mississippi, that rarely receive winter storms of such magnitudes, leaving many area residents unprepared for winter driving and the possibility of being stranded on the road. “No matter what part of the country you live, State Farm encourages all drivers to stock their trunk with emergency kits to help if the unexpected happens,” says State Farm spokesman Roszell Gadson. “It’s also a good idea to make sure all of your supplies are working properly.”

Some Important Emergency roadside items that can help you stay safe until help arrives:

•Hazard triangle (with reflectors) or road flares
•First aid kit
•Jumper cables
•Windshield scraper and brush
•Spare tire
•Blankets and extra warm clothing
•Cell phone and charger
•High-calorie, non-perishable food
•Water
•Road salt or cat litter to help with tire traction
•Brightly colored distress sign or "Help" or "Call Police" flag
•Candle/matches, lighter, and/or flashlight
•Tarp for sitting or kneeling in the snow for exterior work like a tire change