Winter Driving: Emergency Supply Kit
Having an emergency kit of supplies ready and on hand for an emergency is a good idea. Here are some things to consider putting in your individual or family emergency kit:
Blankets are the most important things you can possibly have with you. If you bury your car in a snowdrift and it won’t start, the ability to keep yourself warm is going to be absolutely vital. Blankets are the best way to do this. Keeping a few hand warmers in the glove box are also a good idea.
Flares will help rescuers see you. If they’re searching and all they can see is white, a flare will make all the difference in your discovery.
First aid kit will be important if someone is hurt in an accident. Perhaps just as important is knowledge of how to use it, because knowing how to apply a leg splint can be very, very important in such a moment.
Jumper cables come in extraordinarily handy on cold mornings when your car doesn’t start. Quite often, it’s the result of a battery that became overly cold overnight and can be started with the help of another vehicle and some jumper cables.
A bag of sand or kitty litter not only adds weight to your car (improving traction) but can be spread to help you get traction if you get stuck in a bad position.
Dried foods like beef jerky and granola bars are perfect for this type of situation because they’re energy dense and will last all winter. Don’t keep water or other liquids in your car—they’ll explode if stored below freezing for a long period and you can likely get plenty of liquid in a blizzard—just look outside.
Emergency tire sealant can enable you to get to the next town in a pinch rather than being stuck beside the road with a flat tire.
Flashlights allow you to see what’s going on and also aid in signaling help. Although flashlights operated by human action exist, they’re not very bright—get one with a very bright bulb and make sure it’s charged.
Shovel will help you to dig out in a pinch. I used to keep one in my truck when I commuted, but there usually isn’t room to keep one in a car.
Emergency window breaker will allow you to break a car window if the need arises and you are pinned inside.
Small tool kit can allow you to fix minor problems yourself on your car. Make sure you have everything you need to at least change a tire and loosen or tighten some bolts.
These tools will help you survive almost any winter weather accident, no matter how bad the storm. By keeping warm and safe and making sure that you can signal to help, you’re doing everything you can to ensure your safety.