The winter storm we experienced just this month brought back memories of a few years ago when local motorists got stuck in a snowstorm on I-95 for many hours. For those not prepared for winter driving it turned into a terrifying experience. Drivers had no water, they ran out of gas, and were cold and hungry. Be prepared for this kind of situation by preparing a “winter safety kit” for your car. Here are 11 things you should include in your winter survival kit:
- Warm clothes like gloves, hats, scarves, socks, hiking boots and a blanket/sleeping bag.
- Hand warmers and chemical toe warmers.
- Emergency poncho to keep you dry.
- Jumper cables or portable jump starter
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- First-aid kit for minor injuries or medical emergencies.
- Cell phone charger or portable power device
- High-calorie snacks like granola bars, dried fruit, and nuts.
- Bottled water to stay hydrated.
- Ice scraper and snow brush to clean off your car.
- Sand or kitty litter to provide traction.
Make sure your kit is in an easily accessible location, like the trunk or under the front seat. Having a winter survival kit will give you peace of mind and can make a difference during a winter emergency like getting stranded on the highway.
