Winter brings beautiful sights like freshly fallen snow but it can also bring with it dangerous road conditions. Even if you live in a state with mild winters, many families take road trips to see and play in the snow.
Whatever your situation, you’ll want to be prepared before you hit the road in winter conditions.
Putting Together an Emergency Road Kit
If you encounter an emergency while driving in winter conditions, your winter emergency road kit could save your life and the lives of your loved ones. Here are a few things you need to keep in your kit:
- Shovel
- Windshield scraper and small broom
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Battery powered radio
- Water
- Snack food including energy bars
- Raisins and mini candy bars
- Matches and small candles
- Extra hats, socks and mittens
- First aid kit with pocket knife
- Necessary medications
- Blankets or sleeping bag
- Tow chain or rope
- Road salt, sand, or cat litter for traction
- Booster cables
- Emergency flares and reflectors
- Fluorescent distress flag and whistle to attract attention
- Cell phone car charger or fully charged power bank
Other Helpful Tips
- While on a road trip, fill up your gas tank every chance you get. A full tank of gas is essential to staying warm in an emergency situation.
- Make sure that family or friends know what route you intend to take so if necessary they can inform emergency crews of your location.
- Make sure your emergency kit stays in the cab of your vehicle so that you can easily access it.