Being stuck on the side of the road during a winter storm isn’t so stressful when you’re well-prepared. (©Alexey, stock.adobe.com)
People often stock their first aid kits and gather supplies in case of emergencies. But during the winter, you need to plan for safety outside your home, too.
In addition to regular maintenance, it’s important to ensure your vehicle has weather-appropriate tires with good tread, and to fill your car with gas before driving in severe weather.
Also, consider putting together a winter survival kit for your vehicle. In the event of an emergency, it could save your life and the lives of your passengers.
These items should always be in your vehicle:
- Vehicle manual
- First aid kit
- Jumper cables
- Tow rope
- Auto/travel tool kit
- Spare tire
- Tire repair kit
- Seatbelt cutter/glass breaker tool
- Flares/reflective flags
- Whistle to signal for help
- Compass and road maps
- Cell phone car charger
Add these items when traveling in severe winter weather:
- Hand-crank weather radio or battery-operated radio with extra batteries
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Bag of cat litter for tire traction
- Rock salt to melt ice/snow
- Windshield ice scraper with brush
- Small shovel
- Waterproof matches and candles
And don’t forget these items in your winter survival kit:
- Necessary medications
- Blankets/sleeping bags
- Extra set of clothes, gloves and hat
- Nonperishable and dried foods, energy bars
- Manual can opener
- Bottled water
