Emergency Winter Travel Kits

When you live in an area that has severe winter weather, it is essential to carry an emergency kit in your car. If you ever become stranded in a blizzard or slide off the road in icy conditions having the right supplies can save your life. When assembling a kit consider that you and anyone with you may be stranded for at least one night so plan accordingly.

Whenever you travel in isolated areas in winter weather it is important to dress appropriately and have extra clothes in case of emergency. These should include winter boots, a winter coat and extra socks, hats, gloves, and scarves. You should carry at least one blanket and a warm sweatshirt with a hood for each person in the car. Hats, gloves and warm footwear are particularly important because feet, hands, and face are the most vulnerable to frostbite and because you can lose a lot of body heat from an unprotected head particularly in very cold conditions.

In addition to extra clothes and blankets, you should include a small shovel, an ice scraper, kitty litter, and a flashlight/emergency beacon that does not require batteries. If you car becomes stuck you can try using the kitty litter to gain traction. When a car cannot be moved the shovel is used to keep the exhaust pipe clear and the ice scraper is used to keep some window clear of ice to watch for help. During severe winter weather season never allow your gas tank to fall below the halfway mark. If you have at least half a tank of gas you can periodically turn on the engine and allow the heater to warm the car. When using the engine in heavy snow conditions is it extremely important to periodically make sure the exhaust pipe is clear to prevent poisonous fumes from seeping into the car.

An emergency kit should also include candles, a pack of waterproof matches, and metal cans. Coffee cans work great. You can light a candle or two, use melted wax to anchor them to the bottom of a can, and you will have a source of light and heat. Another can is used to melt and warm snow to drink. Include some high energy, nonperishable food you can eat with no preparation such as granola bars and candy bars. Avoid salty foods that will make you thirstier.

In addition to these supplies you should also travel with a charged cell phone and carry a car charger for your cell phone. During severe weather season do not start a trip without a fully charged cell phone. This is particularly important if your trip involves travel in isolated or sparsely traveled areas. You should also consider carrying most of your emergency supplies in the passenger compartment. If your trunk suffers damage, you want your supplies to be accessible.

With the proper planning and emergency kit you can survive until help arrives. During winter weather you should travel with a well-stocked emergency kit and never let your gas tank fall below half full. Following these guidelines can help keep you and your family safe from winter travel disasters.