Winter Car Emergency Kit

12/22/2021 (Permalink)

Don't get stranded out in the cold.

A winter car emergency kit is a must for all the drivers in your family. Winter weather could leave you stranded, but a well-stocked emergency kit can help you get back on the road or at least make you more comfortable and safer while waiting for assistance. Emergencies can happen to anyone. Prepare for the worst-case scenario by keeping the following supplies in in your winter car kit! 

Car Emergency Kit List 

• Blankets, mittens, socks and hats
• Ice scraper and snow brush
• Flashlight, extra batteries (or hand-crank flashlight)
• Jumper cables
• First-aid kit (band-aides, adhesive tape, antiseptic wipes, gauze pads, antiseptic cream, medical wrap)
• Bottled water
• Multi-tool (Swiss Army Knife)
• Road flares or reflective warning triangles
• Windshield cleaner
• Portable phone charger
• Medications

Extra Supplies For Cold Weather 

• Sand or non-clumping cat litter
• Collapsible or folding snow shovel
• Blanket 
• Tire chains and tow strap
• Hand warmers
• Winter boots 
• Sleeping bag 

Other Essentials

• Jack and lug wrench
• Tire gauge 
• Small fire extinguisher (5-lb, Class B & Class C type)
• Duct tape
• Rags and hand cleaner 
• Rain poncho
• Foam tire sealant 
• Nonperishable high-energy foods (granola bars, raisins, dried fruits, nuts, peanut butter, and hard candy.
• Battery- or hand-crank-powered radio
• Cash
• Compass
• Maps
• Scissors and string or cord
• Lighter and box of matches (put in waterproof container) 

Make sure to bring your vehicle in for a winter tune-up, always make sure you have gas in your vehicle. Replace windshield wipers, and, if your car needs it, install winter tires for better traction in the snow. 

If you've yet to build a winter car survival kit, now's the time. Every state has a Department of Transportation which gives helpful road and travel advice. You can also sign up for 511 Notify by going to their website and signing up! This app will notify you of travel conditions. When the weatherman starts predicting blizzard conditions stay home if at all possible.