By Jennifer Russo

Living in Massachusetts my entire life, I am no stranger to unpredictable weather. Mother Nature changes her mind quite frequently about what she prefers. Frankly, I believe she must have a bone to pick with us, or maybe she is just plain (w)itchy. What New Englanders can bet on is that we will have at least a couple nasty nor’easters (really big snowstorms) each winter. If you are new to the area, welcome to the frozen-over hell that you’ve heard about.

Driving on unplowed roads, black ice and slushy intersections take an enormous amount of experience and skill, but even the most seasoned driver needs to have good winter tires and take it slow. As careful as you might be, it’s a good idea to be prepared for anything, just in case you find yourself stuck in a snow bank or your car dies in below-zero temperatures.

So, what should you have in your car this winter? The single most important thing to have in your car is a blanket. No, I don’t mean a queen sized comforter that takes up your entire trunk, but one of those fleece throws is perfect. It comes in handy when you are at a cold football game, too ~ metal bleachers and sub-zero temps just aren’t a nice combo. An extra sweatshirt and a travel rain poncho is always a good idea, too, and don’t forget to grab some of those hand-warmer packs.

A small towel is good to have for a number of reasons ~ it dries your hair if you’ve had a nasty walk to the car, dries the dash and door when snow falls in and serves as a great seat cover if you have cold leather seats or a wet jacket. If there was a real emergency, it is also a great compress.

Another important thing to have in your car is a set of jumper cables. Not everyone has jumper cables in their car (they should, but they don’t), and you will be glad you do if your battery decides it doesn’t want to kick in. Though we have a reputation for being rude here in New England, you’d be surprised how many people will stop to give you a hand at this time of year. We’ve all been there; end of story.

Don’t underestimate the power of a can of Fix-a-Flat or tire sealant. If your tire gets a hole in it, it’s not a permanent solution by any means, but it can patch you up enough to get you home, to the nearest gas station or to a Dunklin’s. Quarters are also great for air machines.

It’s a good idea to have a couple flares, just in case you get stuck at night. Flares are great for two reasons ~ they help help find you, and they help others not hit you accidentally. A flashlight and extra batteries (or better yet, the LED flashlights you shake to power) are great things to have.

Snow removal tools ~ a brush/scraper combo and a compact shovel should be stowed in the car, so you can dig yourself out. Also, keep some lock de-icer on your keychain.

A first-aid kit is a must. Not just for winter, but for anytime.

Snacks are great to have. Nothing that goes bad quickly, though. Granola bars, crackers and mixed nuts are good choices. Don’t keep drinks in the car. They will freeze and burst; trust me, I learned this the hard way after I thought it would be a good idea to keep a gallon of water in my trunk ~ not a good idea at all. If it’s an emergency and you get thirsty in the winter, melt some snow. You won’t get dehydrated.

A bag of sand or cat litter provides traction if your car is stuck, and either will weigh down your trunk, which is great when driving in winter.

Things you may have not thought about that would come in super-handy: A travel roll of toilet paper or tissues, a sealable plastic bag, hand sanitizer or wipes, duct tape, a whistle and lip balm. For the true survivor types, you can find all-in-one crank-powered radio/flashlight/cell chargers for about $40-$100.