You should have in your trunk blankets, warm clothing, booster cables and tools, bottled water, canned fruits and nuts, a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, flashlight and batteries, traction mats or chains, a shovel and ice scrapers. It's also a good idea to have a colorful scarf or piece of bright cloth to tie to your radio antennae to signal that you need help. When you are waiting in your car, turn on the engine for brief periods to provide heat, but always leave a down-wind window open slightly to avoid deadly carbon monoxide poisoning. Also, make sure the exhaust pipe is clear of snow. Leave the dome light on at night to signal rescuers, and exercise occasionally by clapping hands or moving around.
Natural disasters can play havoc with power lines and telephone poles.
Be aware of your changed environment and STAY AWAY from downed power lines whether you are walking or driving. Never try to drive through water on a road. Water can be deeper than it seems and water levels can rise very quickly. A car can be lifted up by floodwaters and float out of control. Wade through floodwaters only if the water is not flowing rapidly and only in water no higher than the knees.