You Must Have These In Your Car Before Snow In Western New York

Western New York is bracing for its first dose of heavy snow later this week. Before you attempt to travel in the anticipated storm, you need to make sure your vehicle is ready for the snowy and icy roads.

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The National Weather Service of Buffalo issued a winter storm watch for Erie, Wyoming, Genesee, and Jefferson counties beginning Thursday evening to Sunday night. They predict accumulations of one to two feet in the most persistent snow bands around Western New York.

The best thing to do during a massive Western New York snow event like this is to just stay home. But if you’re an essential worker who has to get to their job, or if you need to check on a friend or family member during the storm, you’ll need to make sure your vehicle can travel safely so you can get to where you need to go.

According to AAA, here are three things you need to do before hitting the roads during heavy snow.

Pack A Cold-Weather Emergency Kit

In case you get stuck somewhere, keep a bag or a box in your vehicle filled with cold-weather essentials, such as extra warm clothing, food, water, a flashlight, necessary medications, blankets, a window scraper, a shovel, and whatever else you think you may need in freezing temperatures.

Put Air In Your Tires

Before temperatures dip, check the air in your tires and make sure they’re properly inflated. If you’re unsure how much air is supposed to be in them, there’s usually a sticker with the proper number inside your driver’s side door.

Fill Up Your Gas Tank

If you get stuck or are driving much slower due to slippery roads, you’ll want plenty of gas in the tank to ensure you get to where you need to go safely. Make sure your gas tank is at least half full before you hit the road in a snowstorm.

The most important thing to remember about driving in heavy snow in Western New York? If you don’t have to go anywhere, don’t. It’s much better to be safe than sorry, and if you can stay home, do so. But if you absolutely have to travel when the weather is bad, make sure you follow the tips above to help you get to where you need to go safely.