So you're driving home in the snow

Maybe you've heard about the snow storm moving up the northeast corrider--the one that made Obama race home dramatically from Copenhagen! From the Times:

Winter storm warnings were in effect from Tennessee and North Carolina to the southern New England states, and the storm was expected to affect Washington, Baltimore, Philadelphia and other cities. A blizzard warning was in effect for Long Island.The National Weather Service said travel conditions in those areas would be “extremely treacherous” by Saturday morning.

We're pretty sure it's not going to be like last year's Blizzard That Never Was. We know a lot of Princetonians live on the Atlantic coast and are driving home tomorrow, so we've compiled some tips on how to stay safe on the trip home.Weather.com offers tips on driving on icy and snowy roads, including what to do if you start skidding or get stuck:

Decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop. You should allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you.

Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake.

And if you do happen to get stranded, the National Safety Council offers these tips:

Stay in the vehicle. Don't wander and get lost or frostbitten.

Run the engine for heat about once every hour, or every half hour in severe cold. Clean snow from around the end of the tail pipe to prevent carbon monoxide buildup. For extra heat, burn a candle inside a coffee can - but don't set the can on fabric. Make sure the vehicle is NOT air tight, by opening a window a little.

Clear outide heater vents. That's the grill under the windshield.

Avoid alcohol. It lowers body temperature and will cause you to become drowsy.

Leave one window cracked open. Freezing winds and driving, wet snow can quickly seal a vehicle.

Signal to other motorists that you're stranded by using flares or flashlights, or by tying a piece of brightly colored cloth to the radio antenna.

The Washington Post suggests putting together an emergency kit, just in case.

Pack an emergency kit and keep it in your vehicle throughout the winter: blankets, a sleeping bag, gloves, hats, wrapped nonperishable food (such as granola bars), bottled water, any medication you might need, a charged cellphone and the number for your insurance company's towing service or AAA. A sudden snowstorm can strand you, so be prepared for cold, hunger and the need to call for help.