Winter Disaster Survival Kit For Your Car

Winter driving can present many road hazards including ice. It's best to be prepared if driving in winter conditions and always carry an emergency supplies kit in your car.

Travelling in winter can present some special hazards - blizzards, road closings, ice storms, extreme cold, and wind. During winter, it's best to plan your trips in advance and check weather reports for the towns and cities you'll be travelling through along your route. And, having your vehicle winterized BEFORE the season begins will assure that it's ready for winter travel.

Assemble the following items and store in your car in the event you become stranded or lost during a winter event while on the road:

• Cell Phone with an extra set of batteries and a mobile charger
• Blankets or a sleeping bag
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Blanket or Sleeping Bag: At least one for each person
• First-aid kit
• Emergency Tool Kit: Containing common household hand tools such as screwdrivers, pliers, duct tape, vise-grips, etc.
• Knife
• High Calorie, Non-perishable Foods
• Change of Dry clothing
• Large Empty Can to use as a toilet. Include tissues and paper towels for sanitation
• Small Empty Can: along with a disposable lighter to melt snow for drinking water
• Bag of Cat Litter or Sand for traction
• Shovel
• Windshield Scraper and Brush
• Tow Rope
• Booster Cables
• Compass and Road Maps

Winter Driving Tips:

• Keep your fuel tank full - to avoid ice from condensation in fuel lines and the tank
• Never travel alone
• Let someone know your plan - provide a timetable and any alternate routs you may be taking

IF YOU ARE CAUGHT IN A STORM

• Stay In Your Vehicle: You'll become disoriented in wind-driven snow and cold
• Run Your Motor about 10 minutes every hour for heat
• Crack a Window: for fresh air and to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning
• Check Your Exhaust Pipes make sure it isn't blocked
• Make Your Vehicle Visible turn on parking lights when running the engine at night, tie a bright cloth to the antenna, raise the hood
• Keep Warm with Exercise move arms and legs, fingers and toes to keep blood circulating and generate body heat
• Eat and Drink: Food provides the body with heat and energy. Water will prevent dehydration
• Wear Layered Clothing: Layers of loose-fitting, light-weight clothing will provide insulation and help keep body heat in
• Keep Dry Remove clothing to prevent overheating and perspiration