Winter's arrival brings new cause for being cautious

Ladies and gentlemen, check your calendars. Never mind that it was warm outside today, you mowed your lawn last week, and it has been unseasonably warm throughout the fall.

Today is the official start of winter.

A chance of rain and snow is forecast for tonight and Saturday -- just when many of us will be hitting the road for a long Christmas holiday weekend.

Whether or not the expected snow materializes, this is Nebraska and Kansas, and, sometime before next spring, all manner of hazardous winter weather is possible.

Before setting out for Grandma's house -- or for the grandchildren's house, for that matter -- make sure your vehicle is in good running condition. Be sure the tires are inflated, belts and hoses are in good shape, and the battery is in good shape and the connections cleaned.

Create or check the winter survival kit you carry in your car. You do have one, don't you?

Include a cellular phone, if you have one, so you can keep in touch and call for help -- not while you're driving, please.

Other items you should consider are tools and supplies such as a battery-operated radio, flashlight and extra batteries, fire extinguisher, duct tape, compass, paper, pencil, signal flair, knife or multi-purpose tool, food, extra clothing, first aid kit and special items such as medication, baby supplies, contact lens supplies and extra eye glasses.

If worst comes to worst, and you become stranded in the snow, stay with your car.

Run the engine 15 minutes every hour. Check the exhaust pipe to be sure it isn't plugged with snow. (always keep your oil and fluid levels filled, and your gas tank at least half full during winter months.)

Keep your feet off the floor when possible.

Never go to sleep with the engine running. Take turns sleeping. One person in the vehicle should remain awake. Protect yourself from carbon monoxide poisoning by opening a window enough for ventilation.

Carry reading materials for adults, games or toys for children to occupy time.

And, above all, even if it isn't snowing, make sure you are sober and well-rested before taking to the road.