MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - With the recent snowstorm hitting much of Michigan, the Meridian Township Police Department reminds residents to stay safe when heading out on the roads.

Lt. Greg Frenger says drivers are encouraged to slow down and keep a safe distance between them and the car ahead. Windshields can also freeze over and impact a driver's ability to see.

"In that case, you're advised to pull over, break out that scraper, and clear the windshield off," Frenger said.

Drivers are also encouraged to prepare an emergency kit for their car. Ready.gov suggests keeping blankets or sleeping bags, jumper cables, a charged cell phone and car charger, a flashlight with extra batteries and warm clothes in your car in case of an emergency. FEMA also suggests keeping cat litter or sand in your car to help improve traction if you get stuck.

To stay safe during a winter storm the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD) is encouraging Michiganders to minimize travel and exercise caution when going outside.:

-Stay indoors if possible. If you must go outside, wear protective gear—such as hats, mittens and gloves—in addition to a warm coat. Always protect your lungs with a scarf.
-Avoid overexertion when shoveling heavy snow, pushing a car, or walking in deep snow. Take breaks frequently.
-Watch for signs of frostbite, which include loss of feeling or pale appearance of fingers, toes or face.
-Watch for signs of hypothermia, which include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, drowsiness and exhaustion.
-Understand the hazards of wind chill. As wind speed increases, heat is carried away from a person's body more rapidly and could lead to severe hypothermia.
-Remove clothing if it gets damp or wet. Wet clothing can make you more prone to hypothermia.
-Weather-proof doors and windows to trap heat inside your home.
-Check heating units. Poorly operating or damaged heating units can release carbon monoxide gas. Test carbon monoxide detectors for proper operation and battery life.
-Check on family, friends and neighbors who are at risk and may need additional assistance.
-Watch pets closely and keep them indoors when possible. Animals can suffer from hypothermia, frostbite and other cold weather injuries.
-Minimize travel. If travel is necessary, keep a full tank of gas and an emergency preparedness kit in your vehicle.

In addition to being prepared for the winter storm, the MSP/EMHSD reminds motorists to take extra precautions when stopping and driving in winter weather if travel is absolutely necessary.

Safe winter driving tips:
-Check the weather before leaving for a destination. If the weather forecast looks dangerous, reschedule or postpone the driving trip.
-DO NOT crowd snowplows. Give snowplow drivers plenty of room to clear snow from the roads.
-Keep tires at the vehicle manufacturer's recommended pressure and routinely check tire pressure
during cold weather.
-Keep windshield solvent at full strength and make sure the reservoir is full, and keep new wiper blades on front and rear wipers, if so equipped.
-Wash your vehicle for better visibility to other drivers, and remove ice and snow from all lights, windows and the license plate before driving.
-Periodically check all lights and replace when necessary.

Michigan weather is unpredictable any time of year, but especially during the winter months. If you are stranded in a winter storm, do not leave your vehicle. Stay with the vehicle and wait for help.