WINTER TRAVEL — Slippery roads this week are a reminder that drivers should be prepared for mishaps that might catch stuck, stranded or off the road in winter conditions.

A bag of items stashed in your vehicle could spell the difference between comfort and misery if not — in the worst case scenario — life and death. 

Carry a survival kit in your vehicle.

• First-aid kit
• Blankets or sleeping bags
• Cellular phone and charger
• Windshield scraper with snow brush
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Extra winter clothes including shoes, hats and gloves
• Compact shovel
• Traction aids (bag of sand or  cat litter) and tow strap
• Emergency flares
• Jumper cables
• Non-perishable food and bottled water
• Road map
• Candles, matches, non-liquid firestarter.
• Special-needs items vehicle passengers may require.

PARKS — The Washington Transportation Department has closed two passes on the east side of Mount Rainier for the winter.

Chinook Pass on Highway 410 and nearby Cayuse Pass on Highway 123 have been closed by recent snow and avalanche danger, department officials announced today.