PIKE COUNTY, ILL. -- If you get stuck while you're out in this weather, one of the best sights you can see is an Illinois National Guard Humvee.
20 Soldiers with the 1844th Transportation Unit based out of Quincy are running some roads in the area looking for people who need help.
KHQA's Chad Douglas spent part of Wednesday afternoon with two soldiers.
This is a sight for sore eyes for some people who became trapped in the winter storm on Tuesday night.
"We had a few cars that were off on the side of the ditch and had a couple guys that were stranded with barely any fuel and trying to make it home from work," says Spc. Mark Hoffman.
There were also several semis off the road...some of which were still stranded on Wednesday afternoon. The National Guard will not pull cars out of ditches though, soldiers keep their focus on other things.
"We're there to make sure that they are safe and that they have everything they need. We carry water with us and food in case we get stranded," says Spc. Hoffman.
The Humvee Spc. Mark Hoffman says the Humvee he was in Tuesday night even got stuck for a short time.
This person was stuck Wednesday just outside of Hull, Illinois when the National Guard came to her aid.
"Everybody's very grateful. They are happy to be helped. They are hoping to get home," says Spc. Marcus Crowder.
With blowing and drifting the big issue over the next couple of days, the soldiers will be out until they are no longer needed.
If you get stranded in your car, stay there, and call the Illinois State Police.
It's a good idea to pack extra clothes or blanket...anything to keep you warm.
It's also a good idea to have something brightly colored with you so you'll be easier to spot by the National Guard.
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forKHQA