Hello All;

Hope everyone has had a Good start to 2013 and hope nothing has gone bad as far as family, driving or friends, me I am still doing good and the twins are getting bigger every day.

The weather here is 48 degs. which is not heard of in January but this is Western New York where you can get all the seasons in a week. The snow in my yard is gone did have about 10 inches at the beginning of the month and now 0 inches. You probly asking why is he doing a Bad weather blog if there is no snow good question, well its because next week here they are talking about some winter storms coming in from the west and it could hit your areas and we need you to be ready not just driving but be ready for your home,vehicle and where ever you may be in case you can not get home or to work or if you can not leave work or where ever you may be going or coming from.

There are lots of simple things that you can do to make your journey safer and less stressful during severe weather such as checking your route for delays before you set out, taking an alternative route if you need to, taking an emergency kit and adapting your driving style to the conditions.

When freezing temperature are forcast, you'll see the winter fleet out and about treating the roads with salt.
Before your journey check the weather forecast and road conditions, consider whether you need to travel right now or if you can wait until the weather improves, consider alternative routes, consider alernative modes of transport and allow extra time for your journey, ensure that your vehicle is ready for a journey in poor weather. Listen to our friendly Police on travel advice, they are out there in the poor weather and they know the driving conditions so when they say go slow don't go fast, My mother always told me " Do as I say , not as I do" so listen to them. Travle with caution, remember the other driver is not looking out for you, Nice going just ran that stop sign and you never looked both way I know dispatch just called you and of course you had to answer. What if they were on there cell phone and ran it also.

Emergeny Kits should be kept in your vehicle and in it you should have atleast a ice scraper and de-icer, light with spare batteries, warm cloths and a blanket, pair of boots, first aid kit, battery jump leads, a shovel, some food or snacks , sunglasses , gloves and a map for any unplanned diversions. I can go on and on but I think you get my drift on what to carry, you never know , here in NY state in the Buffalo area a few years ago one of the main highways was bogged down and people had to stay in there vehicles overnight and some for a couple of days.

With this I will say have a good weekend and take care and hope to see you back here again on Monday.

Bob Allard