As winter rolls in, it’s time to think like a Scout and be prepared. Whether it’s your first winter in the Cleveland area or you’re a “Snowhio” pro, it’s important to take the season seriously. Make sure your car is ready for whatever Mother Nature throws at you.

Winters in Ohio are notoriously cold, with overnight temperatures often dropping below 0 degrees. Add in Lake Erie’s lake-effect snowstorms, and you get a one-two punch of strong winds and double-digit inches of snowfall. This can make driving hazardous — and sometimes makes just getting out of the driveway impossible. Even if you’re just dropping the kids off at school or making a short drive to work, equip your car as though you’re going on a long-distance trip. When storms come in without warning, even a short drive can turn into an unexpected emergency situation.