Governor Pence has proclaimed Nov. 17-23 as Winter Weather Preparedness Week in Indiana.

To help Hoosiers prepare for this the Indiana State Police offers the following tips.

Be prepared:

• Before traveling, check the forecast and let someone know your travel route
• Keep your gas tank at least half-full
• Carry a winter driving kit that should include blankets, flashlight, extra batteries, a brightly colored cloth, sand (or kitty litter), shovel, candle, matches, non-perishable high calorie food, first aid kit, and jumper cables
• Have a cell phone and charger cord
• Slow down on snow/ice covered roads
• Allow extra time to arrive at your destination
• Clear all vehicle windows of ice and snow. Remove snow from hood, roof and lights.
• Use extra caution when driving across bridges, underpasses, shaded areas and intersections where ice is slow to melt
• Avoid abrupt stops and starts. Slow down gradually.

Should you become stranded:

• Don’t leave your car. It’s the best protection you have.
• Tie a brightly colored cloth to your antenna
• Roll down your window a small amount to allow fresh air in your vehicle
• Keep exhaust pipe free of blockage to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning
• Don’t panic. An idling car uses approximately one gallon of gas per hour