Today begins our new series on getting you prepared for a winter emergency while in your vehicle. If you just compile one item at a time, it doesn’t seem so overwhelming!
This is also a great gift to put together for a loved one for Christmas. Knowing that your loved one is stuck in traffic overnight in freezing temperatures is a lot more bearable if you know they have a warm blanket, food and other necessities to get them through.
Stay tuned to our Facebook and Twitter pages, and we will list one item per day to add to your kit. You can also come and check back here, and we will add items each day.
HINT: If you search “Car Emergency Kit” on Pinterest, it will give you a ton of creative ways to pack your emergency kit! Follow us on Pinterest for more ideas.
Day 1: Blanket
You never know when you are going to be stranded in your vehicle in traffic, or get stuck in the snow, or any other kind of unforeseen circumstance during the winter. Blankets were one of the first things the Utah Highway Patrol had to hand out to motorists stuck on the freeway. A blanket is also needed in accidents to keep people warm to prevent them from going into shock.
Day #2: Snacks and Water
You never know how long you are going to be stranded, so make sure to always have snacks packed in your vehicle, especially if you are diabetic or hypoglycemic. Snacks high in protein are always best. Don't forget bottled water!
Day #3: Road Flares
Road flares are a great item to have in your Winter Emergency Car Kit. They can get the attention of those searching for you, and also alert others to use caution around your vehicle. One thing people don't think of, is that they are an easy way to start a fire if needed. Road flares are a MUST HAVE in your emergency car kit!
Day #4: Snow Scraper
Everybody should have a snow scraper in their vehicle, especially this time of year! Remember to wipe off all the snow off your windshield before turning on your wipers. Wiper Transmission/motors are expensive to fix, and is a repair that can be prevented. Don't forget to turn your wipers off when before turning your car off...you don't want them coming on automatically when you start your vehicle!
Day #5: Extra Windshield Washer Fluid
This time of year, especially when it has snowed, your windshield gets extra dirty. Make sure you have an extra bottle of windshield washer fluid in your kit so that you can fill up your reservoir if you run out. Not being able to see through a dirty, salty window will cause low visibility, which is a leading cause of accidents.
Day #6: Kitty Litter or Ice/Snow Melt
Kitty litter is great for when you are stuck on ice or in the snow. Throw a handful underneath your tire, and it will help you get traction. Put a bag of it on your grocery list today, and add it to your winter emergency car kit. Ice/Snow Melt works great as well. .
Day #7: Cell phone and charger
Not only is a cell phone necessary to call for help, but if you are hurt and cannot call, emergency personnel can track your location according to your cell phone. A dead cell phone is no help to anybody, so make sure you have an extra charger or battery. There are many options available.
FYI: You do NOT need to have a current cell provider to call 911! Emergency personnel can be called from any wireless phone, regardless of if you have a service provider or not! If you do not have a cell phone, get an old one and keep in your vehicle!
Day #8: Spare tire and tire changing kit
A flat tire is one of the most common types of roadside emergencies. Roadside assistance is great, but what if you are traveling in an area without cell service, and cannot call for help? Every driver should have a spare, know where it is on their vehicle and how to access it, and have a jack and other necessary items for changing a tire.
(NOTE: Not all jacks fit all vehicles! Make sure you have the proper tire jack for your specific vehicle!)
Also, getting your tire off can be difficult if the lug nuts were put on tight. A star wrench is great for changing any kind of tire.
If you don't know all of the information above, stop by and we can show you!
Day #9: Warm Winter gear and a change of clothes
Having an extra set of warm, dry clothes can be critical if you get stranded. If you have to get out and push your vehicle out of a snow bank, chances are you are going to get soaked. Having a change of dry clothes could be the difference in your survival. Make sure you always have good walking shoes, as well as a warm coat, hat, gloves and other winter gear, even if you are only driving a short distance from home.
Day #10: Shovel
A shovel is a great tool to have in your winter emergency car kit. It can help you move snow around your vehicle if you get stuck. A metal one is great for chipping away ice that is piled up.
Day #11: Flashlight with extra batteries
You should carry a flashlight on you at all times. Make sure you have extra batteries as a backup.
Day #12: At least 1/2 tank of gas at all times!
You never know when you will be stuck in traffic due to a storm or an accident. Running out of gas is the most common problem in traffic jams like these. Make sure you always have at least 1/2 tank full of gas. TO HELP WITH THIS, make sure to put extra cash in your Winter Emergency Car Kit. Sometimes debit/credit transactions are down, and gas stations are only able to accept cash. On the flip side, sometimes gas stations are closed, but you can fill up at the pump with a credit/debit card. Buy yourself a gas card, and put a few dollars on it each pay day. That way, you always have money set aside (cash or card), for emergency situations.
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