Winter Emergency Kit

As we move from summer months into fall, we know that snow is just around the corner.  It is important to make sure we are winter ready for the cold and snow!

Always watch the weather and be aware of conditions before travel.  If you must travel, make sure you have an emergency kit easily accessible in your vehicle. Your kit should be stored all together and in a water proof container.

Emergency Kit

Phone and Chargers

Make sure your phone is fully charged.  You should also bring a charger, along with downloading App’s for weather alerts and road closures.  Make sure you have all emergency numbers programmed into your phone.

Flashlight

Not only should you have a flashlight but also new batteries, so you don’t run out of light.  Winter can often be dark, not only at night but during daylight hours due to blizzard conditions.

Lighter or Matches

It gets cold fast when you are stranded.  Make sure to bring a lighter or matches in case a fire is needed to stay warm.

Blankets

Blankets are important to help keep you warm.  I recommend multiple blankets and sleeping bags.

Clothes

Most of us are not properly dressed when going out into inclement weather.  It is important to stay dry as well when stranded.  Having extra clothes will help prevent hypothermia and other weather related illness. Articles you should include are hoodies, coats, hats scarfs, gloves, socks underwear and boots.

Food and Water

You should have easy open food such as granola bars, fruit snacks and canned food.  Make sure what you bring is packaged in a water proof container and does not need to be cooked or refrigerated.  You will also need to stay hydrated, make sure you have plenty of bottled water on hand.

Toilet Paper

Yes that’s right, toilet paper. If you don’t want to leave your car and brave the cold you can also bring a bucket to use as a make shift toilet. 

Shovel

This could be the difference of digging your way out or waiting for emergency personal.  Road conditions such as ice can have going from the road to the ditch in a split second.  It is important to have all the tools you need.

Scraper

You should always have an ice scraper in your car to clear off windows, to allow the best visibility.

First Aid Kit

Not only for winter weather, but it is important to have a first aid kit in your car at all times.

Jumper Cables

This is another item to have in your car at all times, not just in the winter months.  Low temperatures are hard on your car, your battery may need an extra boost.

Tool Kit

Your car can break down at any time.  Sometimes a quick tightening of a nut or bolt can mean the difference of being stranded or the side of the road, or making it to your destination safely.  Make sure to keep your tool kit in your vehicle all year round.