— Daily Freeman-Journal file photo

Hamilton County is under a winter storm warning today, which is in effect until early Saturday morning. Forecasters have predicted from 4 to 8 inches across North Central Iowa.

According to weather forecasts, blowing snow could make travel dangerous.

Driving on Iowa roadways in the winter can become perilous in mere minutes as snow, ice and limited visibility come into play. However, leaving the roadway and becoming stranded poses its own set of dangers.

Sliding off the road, even if you are uninjured, can be life-threatening. Being prepared for an array of emergencies can help improve the odds of being rescued safe and sound.

AAA recommends the following items for a winter vehicle survival kit:

• Ice scraper and brush

• Boots, gloves and hat

• Tools and flashlight (with fresh batteries; cold weather drains batteries faster)

• Tire traction material, such as sand or kitty litter

• Food and blanket

• Jumper cables

• First Aid kit

• Cell phone

• Flares or reflective triangle

• Shovel

Other experts suggest also having an AM/FM radio to listen for traffic reports and emergency information, as well as plastic bags for sanitation and a brightly colored cloth — ideally red — to tie to the antenna or hang out a window.

Recommended food items include canned fruit (that doesn’t require a can opener), nuts and energy bars. Bottled water for people and any pets traveling with them is also recommended. However, melting the water may become an issue.

While many experts suggest keeping a coffee can furnace in the kit, there are various ways to create one.

The simplest option would be to construct a basic emergency heating kit from a metal coffee can, fueled by metal-cup tea lights and a box of wooden matches, both of which would be kept in watertight sandwich bags. Three or four of the lights should be lit at a time.

Another variation involves using two metal cans, one of which can nest inside the other, along with a roll of unscented toilet paper (with the cardboard tube removed), a lid to place over the larger can, matches and bottles of 70 to 91 percent isopropyl alcohol. Of course, this method involves a risk of carbon monoxide emissions.

One thing most experts agree on is to stay with the vehicle, rather than risk the dangers of exposure or getting lost.