Surviving snow storms, blizzards and being stranded alone on the side of the road.

We've gotten a little spoiled by the mild weather we've had, so brace your-self for the snow and cold air that's coming soon. If you haven't already done so, now would be a good time to check your vehicle for emergency supplies. An adequate supply of the following should be kept in your vehicle at all times during the winter months, listed by priority:

*Large box filled with food items should you be stranded in your vehicle,(food items high in protein should include, but aren't limited to: chocolate bars, beef sticks, canned tuna...don't forget the can opener....single packs of mayonnaise, crackers, chocolate bars, fruit drinks, pretzels, canned fruit, single packs of hot chocolate, coffee, tea, creamer, sugar or Splenda, chocolate bars, ready to eat snacks, instant cereals and soups, bottled water, and so forth.

*Plug in mugs (plug into cigarette lighter) to heat bottled water to make hot cereal and soups, extra plug for cigarette lighter to plug in DVD's, etc. Don't forget to include several thick blankets, at least six flashlights and spare batteries, a good supply of books, hand wipes, several plastic bowls for cereal and soups, cups for hot drinks, spoons, and paper towels to clean up the spilled food. You're going to want to bring along that flashing, neon belt you wore in the fall...the one you can program to flash messages to try to impress people....you know what I'm talking about!

While you're at it, you might want to carry your warmest pj's and slippers, several spare pillows, and that small space heater that plugs into your cigarette lighter. You'll be so warm and cozy, well fed and hydrated and so comfortable that you'll forget you're stranded in a blinding snowstorm in the dead of night. The only problem you might encounter will be bathroom options......that's best left to your own imagination!

At some point during your stay in your car, you're going to notice others near by who are also stranded but didn't take the necessary steps to insure they would be safe and comfortable until help arrives. No problem! Dig out that message flashing belt, program it with something like: "Food, drink, movies, warm blankets - $10 a night, per person, (or until rescued). Space limited to first 20 people. Think of all the people you can help, while recouping the cost of housing them through the storm. Just don't forget to replenish your supplies after you're safely back home again. *Note: Use discretion when mentioning your chocolate bars...no sense shorting yourself, this could be a long storm!!