With several more rounds of winter weather predicted to hit the area this weekend, the Missouri Department of Transportation is encouraging motorists to be weather ready.
A news release says now is the time to prepare an emergency kit for your vehicle in the event of a breakdown on the roadway. You can buy an off-the-shelf emergency kit, or you can assemble one yourself.
MoDOT advises the kit should include: jumper cables; sand or kitty litter- for traction; a blanket or warm clothing; a cell-phone charger; bottled water; nonperishable food items; a first-aid kit; extra batteries; an ice scraper; a tool kit; and a flashlight.
Emergency kits should be checked every six months, and expired items should be replaced to keep it up to date.
MoDOT also says it’s a good idea to keep family and emergency phone numbers, including a tow service in your phone. If you are stranded on a state highway, you also can dial *55 for the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
MoDOT’s online Traveler Information Map- located at www.modot.org – provides current traffic conditions and shows real-time traffic flow.