And so far it's scary as hell.  I didn't work today because I didn't want to drive to work.  My tires are bad so I didn't want to take the chance on driving in snow and I'm glad I stayed put. Heard on the news today that there were over 200 accidents between 2pm & 8pm, several injuries and one fatal death.
I know I need to get new tires, that goes without question.  I was advised to get sand bags to weigh down the back of my car. Also suggested were blankets, first aid kit, flashlight, water, can food and a new battery.  OK now that the fear has subsided a bit, is there anything else I should have with me?

Normally I'm not a drama queen and I handle most situations calmly and practically... BUT never having driven on snow and loosing control of my car scare the shit out of me!
Anyone else feel the same way?

my advice: sandbags only help if you have a rear wheel drive car, more weight in the back of a front wheel drive car does nothing. I suggest you get out and stay on some lightly traveled streets and practice and remember you can't stop as fast on ice or get going as fast so you need more "space" when roads are slippery

It wouldn't hurt to have a small shovel in your car as well.

Find yourself a snowy parking lot and do some practing. Practing quick stops and sliding around. If your car is front wheel drive, yank the e-brake to get the back end to lock up so you can feel what a slide is like and how to correct for it.

Also try practicing in an empty area of a mall parking lot. Lots of room and no cars to damage.
Have fun!

donuts in an empty parking lot after a snow storm, that's how I learned...

You've heard of powdered water right?  
Yeah, just add water.

All good advice so far....but also try not to panic when some ass-wipe is tailgating you when you have to slow down and make a turn.  Main streets and highways are normally okay after the snow plows have done their thing.  Exits, turn lanes, and side streets take awhile for traction to be there.  The problem is that some nit-wits (especially young drivers) don't heed the advice that you must driver slower.

will be to panic!  Try not to because that will only make a bad situation worse.  It is easier said than done.  Just leave distance between you and the car in front of you, slow down and drive according to road conditions, and, of course, practice and you should be fine.  

Carry an emergency road kit...I saw one at wal mart yesterday for $19 (jumper cables, flares, tire fix it, etc), and especially important for those traveling in remote areas or in SEVERE weather conditions.... candles, flashlight and extra batteries, blanket, gloves, hat, boots, dry socks, dry change of clothes, sand, shovel, canned foods and can opener, and a jar to pee in.
If you are stranded a long time and run your vehicle for a little warmth, make sure to get out and clear the snow from the tailpipe!!!

There has not been a storm that bad in MN though in years!!!!  I do remember it back when I was little...a neighbor got out of his vehicle when it stalled at the end of his driveway.  He thought he would walk to his house.  It was a farm and his driveway was about a 1/4 mile long.  He never made it even though it was only a 1/4 mile.  They found him 2 miles away in the complete opposite direction.  The wind and blowing snow confused him and he became lost in the blizzard.  It is hard to say how long he was out wondering around before he collapsed from exhaustion.   Better to stay in your vehicle ...wait for the storm to pass. Your odds for survival are much better.  Have your emergency kit and be safe!!!

sorry didn't mean to be a downer.

thanks for all the suggestions

I drove today & of course I fishtailed a little on the hwy. Thank goodness no cars were near me.  I think I will be taking a cab to work until I get new tires.
Thank you Belinda for suggesting clothing & everything else I need to put in my survival kit.  Why do I need candles if I have a flashlight?
Thank you all for your suggestions & advice on learning to drive in this weather.  Stay safe, keep warm & Happy Holidays

Monday 8pm/Tuesday 8am shift and there were SO many car accidents! Guy came in and his family barely recognized him. Bet you can guess he wasn't wearing his seat belt.

A first-aid kit is a MUST! Also, an extra sweatshirt, ice scraper, and mittens come in handy. A road kit also contains a tow rope or Fleet Farm will have one.

Remember to wear your seat belt, please

Re: thanks for all the suggestions

actually, you need candles and a large can....like a coffee can (the old type..not the plastic ones they have nowadays).   You put the candle inside the can and light it.  If the battery should go dead on your car, the candle will create heat (the can will contain it).  Also, you can melt the snow in the can with the candle should you need it to drink!

I forgot first aid kit and battery operated radio and towels, energy bars and beef jerky, and bottled water! Store it all in a plastic tub in your trunk!!

My parents made sure to have this stuff in the trunk of our cars every winter.  Scary stuff in the country!  Years ago we had horrendous winters....it was not uncommon to have 10-15 inches of snow fall in a blizzard.  Not so much anymore.  

ladyjae's not from the cold tundra of mn! LOL. she is from much warmer parts!  My momma taught me well!  

I remember another one of my fathers farmer buddies lost 6 of his 10 fingers and 4 of his 9 toes (yes,9..he had webbed toes) when caught in a blizzard!  I'm telling you...better to be safe than sorry!!!  Especially if you are not accustomed to MN winters.  Who knows when or where she might go on an outcall this winter!!!!  I am sure some of you horny devils  live in the country!

Thank you Belinda for ALL your advice.  
Most may not know that I am from San Antonio, TX.  The coldest weather we get in TX is in the teens, rarely lower then that, but it doesn't last long before it warms up again. We might get icy roads, but nothing like here.  
Not only do I have to get a winter kit for my vehicle but I also have to get winter clothes.  OMG does it get freaking cold here.  I thought snow boots were accessories to a cute outfit, now I know there essential to be outside.  I've never owned a pair of gloves and now I have 3 pair.  I bought my first pair is Sept because my fingers kept getting cold on the steering wheel.  My sister laughed and said I was being a Drama Queen.

That's just what we do, we help one another, especially in the winter.
LadyJae, make getting new tires your very first priority. Don't be that guy (gal) that makes us lose a green light while you're spinning your tires struggling to get through an intersection.

Steady and slow is the only way to go in the snow!

learning the ropes in this godforsaken country in the winter.  I hate it worse every year!!  Don't mean to pick on you....... but it struck me as funny..........  Most deaths are fatal.