What if you were driving up to the mountain and you spun out of control and hit a snow embankment? Would you have what you need to stay safe? The weatherman isn't always right, so a small flurry could end up leaving a couple inches of snow on your car. Being prepared for cold weather emergencies is critical for staying safe in winter weather. If you crash, breakdown, or get stuck in the snow this winter, being prepared will make it easier.
Now that you know the essentials things to keep in your car. But before you even hit the road this winter, make sure you keep half a tank of gas in your car, and good working wiper blades. You may also look into snow tires. Drive safe this winter!
- Ice Scraper and Snow Brush- Snow and ice on cars is dangerous because it could block your view, or fly off and hit another vehicle. Always clear your ENTIRE car or snow and ice being driving to prevent accidents. You will want to put an ice scraper and snow brush in your car as soon as the cold weather hits.
- Shovel- Buy a small collapsable shovel to keep in your car in case you get stuck in the snow, or need to clear a path.
- Gloves and Winter Clothing- Have you ever clear clearing the snow off your car without gloves on? I have, and I do not recommend it! Wearing gloves and other warm clothing will make the task of clearing snow off your car a lot easier. It also doesn't hurt to keep a couple sets of hand-warmers in the car as well. You will do a better job of clearing your car when you're warm.
- Blanket- Do you have extra blanket sitting in a closet? Put a couple in your car! If you get stranded, you can't always rely on your cars heater to keep you warm. Keeping a couple blankets in your car could turn a deadly situation into a much safer one!
- Emergency Flares or Reflectors- Visibility is reduced in snowstorms, whether it's daytime or nighttime. Emergency flares or reflectors will make it so passing cars or emergency vehicles can see you on the side of the road.
- First Aid Kit- You should always a first aid kit in your car, but it's especially important during the winter, as travel time for emergency vehicles are longer. You should administer basic first aid to the victim until assistance arrives.
- Water and Non-Perishable Snacks- If you get stranded you may have to wait a long time before help arrives. Storing water and non-perishable snacks will help curb your hunger while you wait for help to arrive.
- Extra Windshield Washer Fluid- Make sure your windshield washer fluid has anti-freeze in it. Clearing your windshield in winter weather will improve your visibility. You wouldn't want to run out in the middle of a winter storm!
- Rock Salt, Sand, or Kitty Litter- Now this one may sound a little funny, but it works! These course materials will help your tires gain traction if it gets stuck in the snow. Spread the material near your cars tires and in your vehicles path to get out of a slippery situation.
- Flashlight- It gets dark earlier in the winter. If you get stranded or stuck at night, the flashlight will help you figure out what's wrong. It could also help make you more visible to others.
- Rope or Chain- If you get stuck you'll want a rope or a tow chain to help pull you out. It will also be easier to find someone who can help pull you out if you have a rope or tow chain on hand.
- Jumper Cables- If you need someone to jump your car it's a lot easier to just find a car versus finding a car with jumper cables. Make it easier to help you by keep a set of jumper cables in your car.
- Sunglasses- While these may be more of a summer accessory, they are still good to have during the winter. When there is snow on the ground and it's sunny, the glare from the sun can be blinding. Keep a pair of sunglasses in your car to avoid the glare from the sun.
- Small Tool Kit- You can fix minor repairs with a small tool kit. Learn how to perform simple maintenance yourself so you don't have to wait for help.
- Cell Phone Charger- In these you would think, who doesn't have a cell phone charger in their car?! It is still important enough we had to add it to our list! Make sure you keep you phone charged before getting in the car, but always keep a charger just in case. If you get into an accident it will be much easier if you have a phone you can call for help from.
Now that you know the essentials things to keep in your car. But before you even hit the road this winter, make sure you keep half a tank of gas in your car, and good working wiper blades. You may also look into snow tires. Drive safe this winter!
