The 13 Items Every Minnesota Driver Should Have This Winter

What's the best way to avoid frostbite and hypothermia? Plan for extreme cold before it arrives, and don't get caught unprepared. It's imperative that every Minnesota driver have a winter car survival kit.

Dangerously cold air will linger in the Twin Cities this week. The National Weather Service says drivers should have these items in case their car gets stuck or breaks down:

1. Jumper cables
2. Flashlights
3. First Aid Kit: remember any necessary medications, baby formula and diapers if you have a small child
4. Food: non-perishable food such as canned food and a can opener, and protein rich foods like nuts and energy bars
5. Water
6. Basic toolkit: pliers, wrench, screwdriver
7. Radio: battery or hand cranked
8. Cat litter or sand: for better tire traction
9. Shovel to dig out snow
10. Ice scraper for your windshild
11. Clothes: warm clothes, gloves, hat, sturdy boots, jacket and an extra change of clothes for the cold
12. Blankets or sleeping bags
13. Charged Cell Phone

If you have pets in the car, bring plenty of pet food. Make sure your vehicle has at least a half tank of gas during extreme cold situations so that you can stay warm if you become stranded. Always dress warmly.

In general, remember to make checking the forecast part of your routine so you'll know when to expect cold weather.

Photo credit: AP Photo/Mel Evans