With snow back in the forecast, the Iowa State Patrol is reminding drivers to continue to be safe while on the road this winter.

Sergeant Alex Dinkla says that with the extreme temperatures the area has been having, it’s important to pack a winter car care kit. He adds that the kit should include an extra blanket, bottle of water and some food.

Dinkla details that there are other ways to prepare before heading out on the road, including making sure you have your cell phone and that you have at least a quarter tank of gas in case you get stranded and need to run the vehicle for an excessive amount of time. 

While the forecast for tonight and tomorrow calls for a dusting to an inch of snow, Dinkla stresses the importance of checking the Iowa Department of Transportation’s 511 website. He adds that the website offers a way to check road conditions and look at cameras to see what the weather looks like in real time. Dinka explains that those features are helpful whether you’re traveling short or long distances.