Being prepared for whatever winter might throw at you becomes even more important when you have children.
The recent snowstorm weather system that blasted through Central and Eastern Canada and the United States left many motorists stranded on highways. There may have been many others that did not make the news because they were on back roads or little-known highways and small towns.
So, the question arises, how many of us actually have a winter survival car kit in our cars? Do we even know what should go in one?
Your Winter Survival Car Kit
1. Someone back home – “Always tell friends and family where you are going and when you plan to return. If something happened and you won’t be back at that time, call them.” (1)
2. Flashlights and extra batteries
3. Colored ribbon to tie to the antenna
4. A multi-tool knife
5. Extra set of clothes including ski pants, socks, gloves/mittens and hats, long underwear
6. Hand warming pads
7. Blankets (thermal or wool) or sleeping bag
8. Waterproof matches and candles
9. Small container for melting snow into drinking water
10. Local maps
11. Nylon rope (25-50 ft.)
12. Small shovel
13. Food – nuts, dried fruit, energy bars, granola, tea, hot chocolate, 1 or 2 backpacking meals
14. Camping stove or heater to melt snow and heat water
15. Cell phone fully charged and in-car battery charger
16. First-aid kit
17. Compass
18. Fire extinguisher
Emergency Car Care Kit
You should include emergency car care tools in your winter survival car kit.
1. Tool kit (screwdriver, needle-nose pliers, crescent wrench)
2. Road flares or warning lights
3. Booster cables
4. Set of tire chains
5. Tire-changing tools, fuses, belts, hoses, clamps, strapping tape, tow chain, sand
6. Windshield de-icer and scraper/snowbrush
7. Extra windshield washer fluid that’s good for -40F
When venturing out, it is recommended that you keep your survival car kit inside the car, rather than the trunk just in case you end up in a situation where you can’t get to the trunk.
Sources:
1) Winter car survival kit. Wilderness Survival Skills. Web. Feb 13, 2013.
http://www.wilderness-survival-skills.com/car-survival-kit.html
2) Complete Winter Survival Kit. 21st Century Adventures. Web. Feb 13, 2013.
http://www.21stcenturyadventures.com/advice/lists/winterSurvivalChecklist.html
3) Winter Driving Survival Kit. Government of Ontario Ministry of Transportation. Web. Feb 13, 2013.
http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/safety/winterdrive/winterdrive.shtml
Reviewed February 14, 2013
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith