Winter Preparedness Kit for Your Car

With winter nearly upon us and road conditions variable, it's a good time to think about some preparedness items you might want to carry with you in your vehicle. What follows is a short list of items that could prove invaluable if you ever find yourself stranded.

1) A heavy rolled blanket or sleeping bag.

It is suggested you store your blanket or bag in a plastic trash bag to ensure it doesn't get wet. While it's nice to have a 0 degree bag, something is better than nothing here. Use the best you have or can afford.

2) A small roll of duct tape.

Duct tape can be used for emergency repairs to any number of items, from clothing to car windows. Mythbusters even built a boat and lifted a Ford Crown Victoria with it!

3) A heavy 9'x12' plastic drop cloth.

Again, this is a widely useful item. It can be used to make an emergency shelter, replace a broken window, or even used as a rainproof garment.

4) A good lighter and several strike-anywhere matches.

In winter months, the ability to build a fire can be the difference between life and death. An inexpensive lighter, backed up by some strike-anywhere matches, could save your life.

5) A few tea-light candles.

A dollar can buy you a dozen of these handy little items. Each one lasts three or four hours, providing light and some warmth.

6) A couple of mylar emergency blankets.

Otherwise known as "space blankets," these light, compact items can help a stranded traveler by preventing radiant heat loss and by acting as a signalling device. They are waterproof, but they also tend to tear, so treat them accordingly.

7) A ziploc bag of toilet paper.

Other than the traditional use, TP can be used to start fires, etc.

8) Emergency food.

This can be as simple as a couple of power bars. What's important is to make sure your emergency food will survive a variety of temperatures and still provide nourishment and energy.

9) A family service radio (walkie talkie) to help you communicate with potential rescuers.

A walkie talkie with good batteries (consider adding an extra set) allows you to be "locatable" to searchers for far greater distances than just line of sight.

10) A sharp, strong knife.

I suggest a folding knife for compactness. Another option is a knife that uses replaceable utility knife blades with several spares.

11) A small LED flashlight.

Some of these can last up to 40 hours. They can be used for illumination and signalling.

12) Small traffic flares.

Provide fire starting, signalling, light, and warmth. The smoke isn't healthy, so avoid it as much as possible.

13) A metal gallon paint can to store it all in.

These can be obtained at paint and hardware stores. They can hold most of the items listed here. Then you can wrap them in your sleeping bag or blanket before stowing the whole thing in a trash bag. Besides being useful to hold your kit, you can use the paint can for cooking or boiling water. Its reflective lid can also be used for signalling. When properly closed, it is waterproof and air tight.

This list is a starting point. Consider what you are typically wearing and what you normally carry when deciding what else to add. If you normally wear a skirt and high heels, you might want to include warm pants and snow boots. I typically have a .22 caliber gun in my car, so I would add a small box of ammunition that could be used for fire starting and signalling, as well as food procurement. A good pair of gloves and warm head covering is another good idea.