Prepare for Holiday Travel Season by Placing Emergency Preparedness Kits in Cars

The Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division encourages citizens to prepare for the holiday travel season by placing emergency preparedness kits in their cars.

The MSP/EMHSD says Michigan winters can produce extremely cold temperatures, large amounts of snow and bursts of freezing rain. In the event of an emergency, help may not be immediately available. By having emergency preparedness kit in a vehicle, a person can survive until helps arrive.

MSP/EMHSD Commander Capt. Chris A. Kelenske says "road conditions can quickly change for the worse during the winter months. A vehicle emergency preparedness kit adds a sense of safety and security when traveling to destinations this holiday season. If an incident does happen, you will be prepared and ready.

Some of the essential items to include in a vehicle emergency preparedness kit include:

• Hand-crank radio and flashlight
• Cell phone charger
• Blanket and extra clothes
• Jumper cables
• Shovel
• Cat litter or sand for better tire traction
• Flares
• First Aid kit
• Bottled water and some non-perishable food items such as granola bars

For more information on being prepared before, during or after an emergency or disaster, go to the MSP/EMHSD's website at www.michigan.gov/beprepared.