CINCINNATI — With a major winter storm quickly approaching, transportation services across the state are cautioning people to stay off the roads. But what if you do end up getting caught in the storm?

What You Need To Know

• Governor Mike DeWine warns people to stay off the roads during the storm if you can


• If you do have to travel, you are encouraged to bring along things like water, food and blankets


• If your car does break down you should pull off to the side of the road, put on your hazard lights and call police or Ohio State Highway Patrol


• You should also make sure to leave early and give yourself extra time to get to your destination

The Cincinnati Department of Public Services crews will be busy treating the roads. Freezing rain turning to blowing and drifting snow will present challenges.

That agency's Jarrod Bolden said these conditions are what drivers should avoid. 

“For our drivers, it’s kind of the worst combination, so we’ll have ice, we’ll have cold temperatures to deal with so we’re just asking people to stay home,” said Bolden.

But if you do have to travel on the roads, he said you should leave the house early and give yourself extra time.

“Driving conditions are going to be dangerous and it’s going to take you longer to get to and from wherever you need to get to,” he said. “So if you can plan ahead, maybe move that up earlier or put it off and go later.”

You are also encouraged to prep an emergency kit in case you become stranded. Ohio Department of Transportation Press Secretary Matt Bruning said items in this kit are essential to keeping you safe.

“Those would include some bottles of water, some food, some blankets — things to keep you warm,” said Bruning. “Make sure you have cat litter or sand to get you traction.”

And if your car breaks down, you should pull off to the side of the road, turn on your hazard lights and either call the police or the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

“If you’re able to get yourself back on the road, that’s going to be the best option since it’s going to be extremely cold and being stranded in your car is not where you’re going to want to be during this storm,” he said.