Do you have a vehicle emergency kit, and if so, is it stocked with winter-ready items?
If you’re preparing for a long winter drive, looking for a helpful and functional gift for a loved one or just wanting to be more prepared, a winter emergency kit is something that is beneficial to every driver. You never know what’s going to happen on the road and keeping your car stocked with winter essentials can ensure your safety and peace of mind.
To help you prepare, we have compiled this list of the 15 most important items to carry in your vehicle during the winter months.
What You Need:
- A shovel
- Windshield scraper and brush
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Water (one large container with a tap is easier to store than many small bottles)
- High-energy food such as energy bars, nuts or raisins
- Matches and small candles
- Extra hats, socks and mittens
- First aid kit with pocket knife
- Blankets or sleeping bag
- Tow chain or rope
- Road salt, sand or cat litter for traction
- Jumper cables and/or a spare battery
- Emergency flares and reflectors
- Fluorescent distress flag and whistle to attract attention
- Cellphone adapter to plug into lighter
When putting together your kit, consider a large tote or plastic storage container to keep everything together. Your winter emergency kit should always be stored in the passenger compartment in case the trunk becomes jammed or frozen shut.
Having these items will only be of use when other important safety measures are taken. If you become stranded due to an accident, breakdown or other reason, please keep these additional tips in mind.
Additional Tips:
- Keep your gas tank at least half full during the winter months.
- Tie a fluorescent flag to your antenna or hang it out the window if you should become stuck. At night, if you have enough battery power, you may also be able to keep your dome light on to increase visibility.
- Stay in your vehicle. Walking in a storm can be very dangerous.
- Avoid overexertion. Shoveling snow away from car or pushing your car takes a lot of strength you may need later. Don't risk a heart attack or injury.
- Never leave your vehicle running. It's better to be cold and awake than warm and sleepy. Snow can plug your vehicle's exhaust system and cause deadly carbon monoxide gas to enter your car.
The automobile accident attorneys at Hupy and Abraham hope this emergency kit checklist helps you prepare for any winter driving situation. But in the event you are injured in an accident that is the fault of another, please contact us right away. Call 800-800-5678 or start a live chat anytime at Hupy.com.
