From snowstorms to icy roads, the challenges of winter driving require careful planning and proactive measures to ensure your safety on the road while driving in winter weather.
The best way to keep you and your family safe is to create a winter emergency car kit, designed to equip you with the necessary tools and supplies to navigate through unexpected winter driving situations.
An emergency car kit for winter is a collection of essential items and supplies that can help you stay safe during unexpected situations on the road. It includes items that can help with vehicle breakdowns, extreme weather conditions, and unexpected delays to keep you prepared for any potential winter emergencies.
Why do I need a winter emergency car kit?
With snow, ice, decreased visibility, and unpredictable weather conditions, winter hazards can make driving treacherous. Additionally, with the Oregon Department of Transportation reducing the plowing and sanding it will do this winter, Oregon’s highways will potentially be less safe.
Being prepared for these situations with an emergency winter car kit can mean the difference between staying safe or finding yourself cold and stranded.
Winter weather conditions can lead to unforeseen circumstances, such as getting stuck due to road conditions or vehicle malfunctions. Having a well-stocked emergency kit can provide you with the necessary tools to handle these challenges until help arrives.
So whether you’re planning a long-distance trip or simply commuting to work, having a winter emergency car kit is a smart decision to stay prepared for the unexpected.
What should I have in my winter emergency car kit?
When it comes to preparing for winter emergencies on the road, having a properly stocked emergency car kit is essential. Emergency kit supplies for your car can be broken down into 2 categories: essential supplies and additional recommended supplies.
Essential Supplies
These are the minimum, basic supplies and items you need for your winter emergency car kit:
Non-perishable Food: Pack high-calorie, non-perishable food items such as trail mix and energy/protein bars.
Water or Juice: Carry water or juice with you, as staying hydrated is crucial. Keep in mind that water freezes faster, so having juice can be a good alternative since it takes longer to freeze.
Warm Clothing: Be sure to pack extra stocking caps, warm socks, and gloves or mittens to protect yourself from the cold.
Blankets or Sleeping Bags: Choose blankets or sleeping bags (for longer trips) that are specifically designed for extreme cold weather conditions.
First Aid Kit: Have a well-stocked first aid kit that includes essentials such as bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any necessary medications.
ANSI A+ First Aid Kit, Plastic Case
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Ice Scraper and Snow Brush: Keep an ice scraper and snow brush handy to clear your windshield and windows from ice and snow buildup.
Flashlight and Extra Batteries: Pack a flashlight along with extra batteries to light up your surroundings and help you navigate dark or dimly lit areas.
Duracell, Optimum AA Alkaline Batteries
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Jumper Cables: Include jumper cables in your kit to jump-start your vehicle or assist others in need.
Road Salt, Sand, or Cat Litter: To improve traction if you get stuck in snow or on icy surfaces, carry road salt, sand, or cat litter to sprinkle around your tires for added grip.
Quikrete, Play Sand, 50 lb
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Cell Phone Adapter/Charger: Keep a cell phone adapter or charger in your car to ensure you can stay connected and call for help if needed.
Multi-tool: A versatile tool like a Leatherman multi-tool or a Swiss Army knife can come in handy for various tasks and repairs.
Master Mechanic, 12-in-1 Folding Multi-Tool
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Foldable Shovel: Whether you need to clear snow around your tires or dig yourself out of a snowbank, having a sturdy shovel on hand will come in handy.
Coghlan's, Folding Shovel
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Additional Recommended Items
To further enhance your winter emergency car kit, consider including these additional recommended items:
Road Flares or Reflective Warning Triangles: Use road flares or reflective warning triangles to alert other drivers and ensure your safety if you get stuck in snow, break down, or have another emergency.
Ready America 75060 Road Flare
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Wilmar Performance Tools, 3 Pack LED Road Flares W/ Bag, W2383
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Basic Tool Kit: Carrying a basic tool kit with essential tools can help you tackle minor car repairs that may arise during an emergency.
Battery-Powered Radio: Pack a battery-powered radio to receive weather updates, road condition reports, and important news broadcasts when access to the internet or mobile networks might be limited.
Charged Power Bank: Keep a fully charged power bank in your car to ensure that you can charge your mobile phone even if your vehicle’s battery is dead.
Maps and Compass: These navigation tools can help you find alternative routes or identify landmarks to guide your way if GPS fails or your cell phone battery dies.
Fix-a-Flat: This temporary solution can help you inflate and seal a punctured tire, allowing you to drive to safety or reach a repair shop.
Portable Air Compressor: A portable air compressor allows you to inflate your tires if they lose pressure due to cold weather or if you need to adjust tire pressure for better traction on snowy or icy roads.
DeWalt, 20 Volt MAX Cordless or Corded Air Inflator (Bare Tool)
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Windshield Cleaner: Along with an ice scraper, don’t forget to include windshield cleaner to ensure visibility while driving.
Tire Chains and Tow Strap: In areas with heavy snowfall or icy conditions, tire chains can provide the extra traction needed to navigate treacherous roads and a tow strap can be invaluable if you or another vehicle becomes stuck.
Keeper Tow Strap, 2-In. x 25-Ft.
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Hand Warmers: Hand warmers can provide much-needed warmth and comfort during extended periods of exposure to the cold.
Grabber Warmers HWES Mini Hand Warmer, 135 deg F Average, 7 hr Continuous Warmth
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Winter Boots (for longer trips): If you’re planning longer trips or venturing into remote areas during winter, pack a pair of sturdy winter boots to keep your feet warm and dry, and provide better traction and protection against the cold.
What should I have in my winter emergency car kit if I travel with kids and/or a baby?
When traveling with kids and babies during winter, it’s essential to expand your winter car kit for their specific needs. Besides what’s listed above, here are some additional items to consider:
Child-Friendly Food and Drinks: Pack extra snacks that are kid-friendly, non-perishable, and nutritious.
Baby Supplies (if applicable): Remember to include diapers, wipes, and an ample supply of baby formula or baby food. Additionally, bring along extra pacifiers and a portable changing pad for convenient diaper changes.
Extra Clothing and Blankets: Pack additional sets of warm clothing, including hats, mittens, and socks specifically sized for children or babies. Don’t forget to include child-sized blankets or sleeping bags to provide extra warmth during longer periods of exposure to the cold.
Entertainment: Keep children occupied and calm by bringing along their favorite books, games, and toys.
Medications and First Aid: If your children require specific medications, ensure you have an adequate supply. It’s also helpful to have pediatric pain relievers and other child-safe medicines included in your First Aid Kit.
Safety Whistle: Equip each child with a child-sized emergency whistle for added safety.
Portable Toilet Solutions: For young children, consider carrying a portable potty if there’s a possibility of being stuck in the vehicle for extended periods. Additionally, bring extra plastic bags for easy disposal.
Identification: Ensure that each child has identification on them, such as ID bracelets, especially if they have special medical needs or allergies.
What should I have in my winter emergency car kit if I travel with pets?
Traveling with pets during winter requires additional considerations to ensure their safety and well-being. Here’s a list of items to include in your emergency kit:
Pet Food and Water: Pack extra pet food, both dry and canned, to last through unexpected delays. Don’t forget to bring a portable water bowl.
Blankets and Shelter: Include extra blankets or a comfortable pet bed to keep your pet warm during colder temperatures. For smaller pets, consider a portable, insulated pet shelter.
Leash, Collar, and ID Tags: Bring an extra leash and collar as a backup, and make sure your pet’s ID tags are up-to-date with your contact information.
Waste Disposal Supplies: Carry dog waste bags or a small portable litter box for cats to properly dispose of pet waste.
First Aid Kit for Pets: Pack a basic first aid kit specifically for your pet, including bandages, antiseptic wipes, and medicine. Keep information on your pet’s medical history and any necessary medications handy.
Pet-Specific Emergency Items: If your pet has specific needs, such as medication, make sure to have an extra supply on hand. For pets with thick coats, bring a towel or brush to remove snow and ice from their fur.
Reflective Gear or Lighted Collars: Ensure that your pet is visible during low-light conditions by outfitting them with reflective gear or lighted collars, especially if you need to walk them on the roadside.
How do I put my emergency car kit together?
To ensure that your kit is compact and efficiently organized, consider the following:
Choose a Suitable Container: Select a durable and waterproof container to hold your emergency car kit. Opt for one that fits well in your vehicle’s storage compartments.
Prioritize Essential Items: Identify the most crucial items that you’ll need in a winter emergency, such as a flashlight, first aid supplies, warm clothing, and basic tools.
Use Space-Saving Packaging: Utilize space-saving techniques when packaging your items. For example, vacuum-seal bulky clothing or blankets to reduce their size and maximize available space.
Consider Multi-Purpose Items: Include items that serve multiple purposes to save space. For instance, a multi-tool can fulfill various functions, eliminating the need for separate tools.
Consolidate Small Items: Place small items, such as matches, batteries, and safety pins, in labeled ziplock bags or small containers. This prevents them from getting lost or scattered within your kit.
Utilize Compartments or Dividers: If your container allows, use dividers or compartments to separate different categories of items. This helps keep everything organized and easily accessible.
Minimize Excess Packaging: Remove excessive packaging from items to save space. Place them in a compact ziplock bag instead.
Secure Loose Items: Use Velcro straps or elastic bands to secure loose items and prevent them from shifting around.
Where should I store my emergency car kit?
Consider keeping your winter car kit in the back seat of your vehicle instead of the trunk.
Sometimes during extreme weather conditions or cold the trunk may jam or freeze shut, making it difficult to access your supplies when you need them most. Plus, having it in the back seat makes it easily reachable no matter where you’re sitting in your car.
How often should I update or check my emergency car kit?
The National Safety Council recommends checking your emergency car kit at least every six months to evaluate the contents. Replace expired items, assess your personal needs, and make adjustments as necessary to keep your kit up to date.
Preparing an emergency car kit is vital for any winter travel.
Whether it’s a drive to work or a longer trip to Grandma’s house, being equipped with a well-thought-out emergency kit is more than just a good idea – it’s a necessity for safeguarding you and your loved ones.
Gather the essentials, tailor them to your family’s needs, and remember that a little preparation goes a long way.
Emergency Roadside Preparedness Kit
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