How to stay safe on the road, at home this winter: RHHD

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- The Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) want you and your family to stay safe during winter weather, both at home and on the road. “Winter weather can be sneaky and unpredictable,” said RHHD emergency preparedness and response coordinator Ed Porner. “Whether you’re staying close to home with family and friends or making a long trip, be prepared with a winter emergency kit, get smart on the unique hazards presented by cold weather and above all, know your limitations.” Here are a few tips from the RHHD to help you prepare for and remain safe during wintry conditions. Chesterfield officially debuts new mascot, designed by local artists Keep at least one emergency kit at home and one in your vehicle. Ready.gov has a list of what you should throw in your kit, including: Water (one gallon per person per day for several days) Food (at least a several-day supply, non-perishable) A manual can opener (for said food) Battery-powered or hand-crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert A flashlight A first-aid kit Additional batteries Local maps A cell phone and chargers, as well as a back-up battery A whistle (to single for help) Dust masks (for filtering contaminated air) Plastic sheeting, scissors and duct tape (to shelter in place) A wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities) You can also find some low-cost and no-cost options for your emergency kit here. If you have a baby or babies in your family, make sure formula and/or breast milk are included among your food options, as well as diapers, wipes and other things you'd need to care for them. Make sure you have a cooler available for formula in such a case, or if you have medications that need to be kept cool. Don't forget about your pets. They have their own needs you'll need to take into account. Keep warm safely. Using some heat sources improperly can be deadly -- or, at the minimum, risk carbon monoxide poisoning. Take care to make sure your heat sources are operating correctly and make sure you are following their instructions (if applicable). If the power goes out and you need to keep warm: Don't use your stovetop burners or an oven to heat your home. Keep generators separate from the home and away from other structures/flammable objects. If your car becomes stranded: Make sure to clean your exhaust pipe of any snow that may have clogged it. Run the motor for about 10 minutes each hour to keep warm. When running your motor, open an upwind window slightly to allow for ventilation. Check weather conditions before driving and drive safely. Check local forecasts along your route before you leave and leave a few minutes early. Consider delaying your trip if weather conditions are bad -- especially if you're not familiar with driving in the snow or if your vehicle isn't built for such extreme conditions. Make sure your vehicle is ready for winter -- this means ensuring your brakes, tires, battery, antifreeze, wipers and more are all in good shape. Don't drive with snow or ice on your vehicle, including on its roof. Clear it before driving. Be aware of icy spots, especially in shady spots and bridges. Leave at least five seconds of delay between you and other vehicles. For further tips, check out the Virginia Department of Transportation's website. Don't drive impaired. Whether or not there are wintry conditions, you should never drive impaired. Make sure you are not distracted, drowsy or under the influence of drugs or alcohol before driving. Agree on a designated driver, use rideshares or consider catching a bus or other public transit. If none of these things are possible, bring everyone together at home, instead. Write down the information of your local shelters. For Richmonders, here's two options: Richmond Inclement Weather Shelter (IWS) 1900 Chamberlayne Parkway Open 5 p.m. -- 8 a.m. Call for availability at 804-653-5706. Line-up for admission to IWS begins at 4 p.m. each day. The IWS is for single men and women and can accommodate service animals. All guests will be provided a cot, dinner, snack, and breakfast. 50-Bed Year-Round Family Shelter (no age requirements)  7 North 2nd Street Access via the Greater Richmond Continuum of Care Homeless Connection Line at 804-972-0813. For more information and winter weather safety tips, check out Ready.gov.