Stranded by the Snow

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The last couple of days have been pretty rough for a lot of people in the Eastern United States. Highways and other major roads have become parking lots where people are stranded in their vehicles. They all come from different backgrounds and lifestyles, but before they became stranded, they all had one thing in common... They knew the storm was coming. Most of them have something else in common. They headed out into the storm taking no thought to prepare for being stranded. So they sat their for hours on end, hoping someone could come rescue them, before something bad happened. Some of them have medical conditions requiring them to take meds or eat at specific times. They face more than just some discomfort, hunger pangs or fear, hours spell danger for them more than the rest. Most have the basis "emergency" equipment on board. Jack, spare tire, maybe even a first aid kit and fire extinguisher, but few carry anything that will help them through the weather they saw coming. We're taught to adjust our driving habits in adverse situations. Slow down, give yourself more room, start to slow down earlier, don't use your brights in fog or snow storms... but how many adjust what they pack with them when they head out for the day? Protein and water are the most important. Nuts, beef jerky (or other meat snacks), canned veggies. A pillow and blanket even comes in handy, since you don't necessarily want to run your engine for hours on end, especially if you aren't moving. The National Guard and State Police usually jump into action, doing what they can to get aid to people. Road crews work to get things moving again. The normal fire/EMS assets are only as good as their helicopters allow. In the end though, it isn't about what "they" do that will make the difference, it's what YOU do. So what do you do?