FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, Oct. 29, 2007

CONTACT: Brooke Bohnenkamp, Public Information Officer, 605.773.3178

 

 

 

Pierre, SD-When you head to the grocery store this week, pick up a little extra food and water to help prepare your family for winter travel.

 

The South Dakota Office of Emergency Management and the National Weather Service are encouraging all South Dakotans to take a five-week approach to putting together a winter car survival kit. It’s part of the state’s Winter Weather Preparedness campaign.

 

Last week, the Office of Emergency Management kicked off the campaign, asking South Dakotans to put extra blankets in their vehicle. This week the Office of Emergency Management encourages people to buy non-perishable foods like trail mix, granola bars, and dried fruit to keep in their winter car kit. The office also recommends keeping water in your winter car kit.

 

“Gathering everything you need for a winter car kit can be a little overwhelming. That’s why we’re asking people to take a staggered approach. We’ve put together a plan. If people stick to it, they’ll have a well-stocked winter car kit by Thanksgiving,” said Kristi Turman, Director of the South Dakota Officer of Emergency Management.

 

 

Below is the five-week approach for putting a winter car kit together by Thanksgiving.

Week 1 (Oct. 22 - Oct. 27): Start your winter car survival kit with extra blankets.

 

Week 2 (Oct. 29 – Nov. 3): Add water and candy bars, granola bars, dried fruit or nuts to the winter car kit.

 

Week 3 (Nov. 5 – Nov. 10): Add a flashlight with fully charged batteries, and a brightly colored cloth to use as a distress flag. 

 

Week 4 (Nov. 12 – Nov. 17): Add a shovel to your kit.

 

Week 5 (Nov. 19 – Nov. 24): Put everything together in kit. Put the kit in your car. Enjoy a safe holiday travel season.

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