WHAT TO KEEP IN YOUR CAR IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
January 30, 2019
Keep the following supplies in your winter car kit. Emergencies can happen to anyone. Prepare for the worst case scenario, especially in wintertime!
Whether you run out of fuel, puncture a tire, or slip off a snowy road, a car emergency kit can help you home safely and quickly.
In addition to the items listed below, a cell phone is highly advised. Make sure your cell phone is charged every time you get in the car and keep a cell phone charger in your car.
CAR EMERGENCY KIT LIST
Keep the below items in a bag in your trunk. Ideally, I’d suggest a clear, plastic container so it’s easy to see and locate everything. You can buy a pre-packaged kit or create your own.
Minimum Supplies:
In an emergency situation, in addition to a full tank of gas and fresh antifreeze, National Safety Council recommends having these with you at all times:
Blankets, mittens, socks and hats
Ice scraper and snow brush
Flashlight, plus extra batteries (or a hand-crank flashlight)
Jumper cables
First-aid kit (band-aides, adhesive tape, antiseptic wipes, gauze pads, antiseptic cream, medical wrap).
Bottled water
Multi-tool (such as a Leatherman Tool or a Swiss Army Knife)
Road flares or reflective warning triangles
Windshield cleaner
Extra Supplies for Frigid Weather
For those in wintry snowy areas, add the below items to your emergency kit.
Collapsible or folding snow shovel
A bag of sand to help with traction and weight (or bag of non-clumping cat litter)
Blanket
Tire chains and tow strap
Hand warmers
Winter boots for longer trips ( long walk up Otter rd. in a snow storm)
Sleeping bag for longer trips
Other Essentials:
Small fire extinguisher (5-lb., Class B and Class C type) in case of a car fire
Tire gauge to check inflation pressure in all four tires and the spare tire
Jack and lug wrench to change a tire
Rain poncho (Wear over a coat to keep it dry)
Nonperishable foods such as unsalted and canned nuts, granola bars, raisins and dried fruit, peanut butter, hard candy.
Cell phone charger or external battery
Lighter and box of matches (in a waterproof container)
Before You Go
If you must travel, make sure you share your travel plans, schedule and route with someone before you leave.
If you become stranded in bad winter weather, do not leave your car. Don’t try to push your vehicle out of snow.
Light flares in front and behind the car and make sure the exhaust pipe is not blocked by snow, mud or any object.
Besides checking the weather, it’s important to have a mechanic check the condition of the following vehicle systems.
Make sure tires are properly inflated.
Keep your gas tank filled above halfway to avoid a gas line freeze-up.
Avoid driving when you have the flu, which can reduce your reaction time almost six times as much as moderate alcohol intake.
Winter Driving Tips
Beware of black ice. (Even on OUR road, the recycled asphalt can get black ice).
Make sure windows are defrosted and clear. And be sure to clear snow and ice from the top of the vehicle!
Gently rub a moistened, cloth bag of iodized salt on the outside of your windshield to prevent the ice and snow from sticking.
To restore proper windshield wiper blade action, smooth the rubber blades with fine sandpaper to remove any grit and pits.
Fog-proof your mirrors and the inside of your windshields with shaving cream. Spray and wipe it off with paper towels.
If possible, avoid using your parking brake in cold, rainy and snowy weather
Look and steer in the direction you want to go. Accelerate and decelerate slowly.
If possible, don’t stop when going uphill
Signal distress with a brightly colored cloth tied to the antenna or in a window.