Insider Blog: Prepping the Stormtracker for this week’s storm

Since we're expecting significant snowfall and difficult travel beginning as soon as late tonight, were taking this time to make sure we have things we may need in the Stormtracker to hit the road tomorrow. 

We spoke with Sharon Watson, the regional Communications Director for the American Red Cross of Missouri and Arkansas. 

She often tells folks how important it is to have an emergency kit inside your car because of events like the one we are expecting this week. 

"Basically just think of all the things you might need if you were to get stranded in your car and have to stay there for a couple of hours while you're waiting for roads to be cleared or someone to be able to come to rescue you from a slide off. Those are the things that will keep you going." 

We've taken her advice and packed the storm tracker with essentials to keep us going

Of course, we have de-icer and a scraper in the car to keep windows clear.

In case we get into a situation where we are stuck with no traction, we have kitty litter; something to put under the tire to give us a chance at getting out of a tight spot. 

We keep fix a flat, and jumper cables year-round, just in case the need ever arises. As you may know, winter weather is especially hard on your vehicle, so we double-check we have these before heading out for winter events as well. 

Lastly, if we have to be out moving around the car on the side of the road, which we try to avoid, we have high visibility vests that help other drivers see us. 

And of course -- we will have phones and cables to keep them charged. 

That's what's in our emergency go-kit, and it doesn't include the snacks we'll have in the car just in case we do get stranded for a long period of time.

At the very least, Watson says to make sure you have a way to communicate, like a cell phone, a full tank of gas, and even important medication in case you get stranded in your vehicle.

Share with us pictures of your emergency kit!

We'll have live coverage of the snow in mid-Missouri starting at 4:30 am Wednesday. So tune in, and stay up to date with live road conditions.