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10 essential items to carry with you during winter weather

Take some basic steps to make sure you're comfortable if you lose power or get stuck on the roads.

Action 9's Jason Stoogenke spent the last 24 hours talking to the Better Business Bureau, AAA, and Medic to gather a lost of the most important things you should do.

When it comes to your ride, check your tires.  Make sure the tread is good and the pressure is right.  Cold weather can impact tire pressure.  Also, make sure the fluids are topped off and the battery is decent.  It doesn't have to be new, but make sure it isn't on its last legs.

It also helps to have kitty litter or sand in your vehicle in case you end up stuck. Obviously, don't go out if you don't have to.  If you do, take it slow and leave more separation between you and other vehicles.  If you hit a slick spot, some say steer with the spin; don't fight it," AAA's Angela Daly said.

"Look and steer in the direction you want to go.  You may understeer, you may oversteer, but just stay focused on the direction you want to go,"Daly said.

Paramedics said keeps these ten items handy:

Water
Snacks
Blankets
Gloves/hat
Flashlight/batteries
Gas
Phone/charger
Cash
First aid
Change of clothes

If you lose power and leave your home, take them with you.  Even with all of these items, you could get stuck somewhere and your body temperature doesn't have to drop much, to start feeling the effects of hypothermia.  In that case, paramedic Brian Shimberg says the key is putting on "extra layers...getting near any safe heat source...Obviously, the heat in the car if you're stranded is a good idea."

Make sure you don't bring grills or generators inside your home to warm it.  Even if you keep them outside, be careful of their fumes being too close to your home.