Everyone should carry a Winter Survival Kit in their car. In an emergency, it could save your life and the lives of your passengers. Here is what you need:
A shovel
Windshield scraper and small broom
Flashlight with extra batteries
Battery powered radio
Water
Snack food including energy bars
Raisins and mini candy bars
Matches and small candles
Extra hats, socks, and mittens
First aid kit with pocket knife
Necessary medications
Blankets or sleeping bag
Tow chain or rope
Road salt, sand, or cat litter for traction
Booster cables
Emergency flares and reflectors
Fluorescent distress flag and whistle to
attract attention
Cell phone adapter to plug into lighter
Kit tips:
• Store items in the passenger compartment in case the trunk is jammed or frozen shut.
• Choose small packages of food that you can eat hot or cold.
911 tips:
• If possible, call 911 on your cell phone. Provide your location, condition of everyone in the vehicle, and the problem you’re experiencing.
• Follow instructions: you may be told to stay where you are until help arrives.
• Do not hang up until you know who you have spoken with and what will happen next.
• If you must leave the vehicle, write down your name, address, phone number, and destination.
Place the piece of paper inside the front windshield for someone to see.
Survival tips:
• Prepare your vehicle: Make sure you keep your gas tank at least half full.
• Be easy to find: Tell someone where you are going and the route you will take.
• If stuck: Tie a florescent flag (from your kit) on your antenna or hang it out the window. At night, keep your dome light on. Rescue crews can see a small glow at a distance. To reduce battery drain, use emergency flashers only if you hear approaching vehicles. If you’re with someone else, make sure at least one person is awake and keeping watch for help at all times.
• Stay in your vehicle: Walking in a storm can be very dangerous. You might become lost or exhausted. Your vehicle is a good shelter.
• Avoid overexertion: Shoveling snow or pushing your car takes a lot of effort in storm conditions. Don’t risk a heart attack or injury. That work can also make you hot and sweaty. Wet clothing loses insulation value, making you susceptible to hypothermia.
• Fresh air: It’s better to be cold and awake than comfortably warm and sleepy. Snow can plug your vehicle’s exhaust system and cause deadly carbon monoxide gas to enter your car. Only run the engine for 10 minutes an hour and make sure the exhaust pipe is free of snow. Keeping a window open a crack while running the engine is also a good idea.
• Don’t expect to be comfortable: You want to survive until you’re found.
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