But upcoming developments in portable chargers (that do not have to be plugged in) are making it easier for you to pack an emergency power supply and keep your conversation going.

BBC: Four ways to revive a dying mobile phone

In case of the latter, pack an emergency kit for the trunk that, at the least, contains jumper cables, a flashlight, ice scraper, flares or warning triangles, extra gloves and hats, blankets, snacks, a first aid kit and a small snow shovel and a bag of sand or cat litter to help should your car get stuck in the snow.

FORBES: Stress-Reducing Holiday Road-Trip Tips

The nurse recommended they pack up and go to the emergency room.

FORBES: Dial-an-ER

"It's hard to imagine the rationale for nominating three judges at once for this court given the many vacant emergency seats across the country, unless your goal is to pack the court to advance a certain policy agenda, " Grassley said in a statement Monday night.

NPR: AP Source: Obama Nominating 3 To US Appeals Court