SANTA FE, NM-If you are
traveling this week by car, the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency
Management reminds drivers to prepare their cars and trucks for emergencies and
changing winter weather conditions. Another winter storm is predicted to move
into the state tonight and tomorrow. If you have a winter emergency kit and
check road conditions for New Mexico and surrounding states you can save time
and lives.
In New Mexico you can
get current road conditions by calling 511 the Department of Transportation’s
road hotline. Arizona has the same service. In Colorado and Texas special
websites will give drivers specific road conditions. Those websites are www.cotrip.org and www.txdot.gov/travel. New Mexico’s website is www.nmroads.com.
Cabinet Secretary John
W. Wheeler says that by having a winter emergency kit, checking road conditions
and making sure your car is prepared is “Just common sense this time of year.
Be sure to check antifreeze levels, battery and ignition systems, brakes,
exhaust system, all filters and to make sure the heater and defroster work. You
should also ensure your tires have adequate tread. All weather radials are
usually adequate for New Mexico’s winter driving conditions.”
Other guidelines
recommend that you always have at least a half tank of gas in the winter
season. You should have a winter
emergency kit with a shovel, windshield scraper, small broom, flashlight, and
battery powered radio, extra batteries, water, snack food, matches, extra hat,
gloves and socks and a blanket. Additional items for emergency use include a
first aid kit, pocket knife, necessary medications, a tow chain or rope, road
salt or sand, booster cables, emergency flares and a fluorescent flag. When travelling with children or people with
special needs make sure you pack adequate supplies for them.
More and more people “
travel with the family pet so you should plan and prepare ahead of time for
this member of the family, with an ID tag, collar, leash, food and water” says
Wheeler. A pet carrier and favorite toy
is recommended as a way to make your pet feel
safe and calm.
If you must drive during
severe winter weather travel during daylight and don’t travel alone if at all
possible. Make sure you have extra cell phone batteries and keep others
informed of your travel schedule. Stay on main roads and avoid any back road
shortcuts. If you are trapped in a snowstorm, pull off the highway, turn your
hazard lights on and hang a distress flag from the radio antenna or window.
Remain in your vehicle where rescuers can find you. Run the engine and heater
for ten minutes each hour to keep warm. When the engine is running , be sure to open a downwind window slightly
for ventilation and periodically clear snow from the exhaust pipe.
CONTACT: Beverly Allen DHSEM
Newsroom
505-231-7197
beverly.allen@state.nm.us
