Driving in Winter: Always Be Prepared
Driving conditions are always unpredictable. In winter, however, weather-related accidents and delays can keep you stranded in the cold for hours.
That’s why it’s good to prepare a winter emergency kit. If you breakdown, have an accident, face a long delay or just have to wait for roadside assistance, these items will be good to have at your disposal:
- Cell Phone: Probably the most important item in your kit.
- Bag of sand, salt or cat litter: You can use this under your tires for better traction.
- Shovel: In case you need to remove snow from around your tires.
- Flashlight and extra batteries.
- Blankets and/or sleeping bags.
- Lighter or waterproof matches.
- Non-perishable food: Try items such as high-energy protein bars or a nut and raisin trail mix.
- Empty coffee can and votive candles: In case you need to melt snow for water.
- First Aid Kit.
- Spare tire and tools to change a flat tire.
- Jumper cables
- Ice scraper.
- Tow chain or strap.
- Warning devices (flares or reflective triangles).
- Extra hat, mittens, and socks.
- Compass and atlas / map.
- Necessary medications.
- Plastic bags for sanitation.
- Small toolkit: Include pliers, wrench, screwdriver, pocket knife, etc.
- Cards, games and other items to pass time.
- Extra quart of oil.
- Emergency cash (about $20).
- Emergency contact list (in the event you are unable to provide this information).
- Empty gas can.