Emergency Supplies You Need in Your Vehicle During Winter:
Ice Scraper: It is easy to forget something so simple and helpful, but when something malfunctions and there is not enough heat to melt the ice on the windshield an ice scraper can really save your day. Keep a sturdy ice scrape in each of your cars. They're inexpensive and durable and can survive multiple winters; however, doublecheck before you leave your home, especially before a long trip where the weather might change significantly.
Blankets: One of the most important winter emergency supplies you must keep with you in your car throughout winter is spare blankets. If you find yourself stuck with a vehicle that will not start or is low on gas, your care, and your body will lose heat quickly. Blankets help trap body heat and can significantly lengthen the amount of time you can keep warm. Remember, the only heat source you have in when your car will not start is you. Blankets give emergency crews more time to get to you and your family.
Extra Winter Clothes: In addition to blankets, you should keep spare winter clothes in your vehicle. This can help keep you and your family warm, especially if your clothes get wet while you are trying to dig yourself out of the snow in which you are stuck.
First Aid Kit: Whether you find yourself stuck due to winter weather, an accident, or a combination of both, you should always keep a first aid kit with you. Even if you're a very safe driver, you cannot count on everyone else being as safe as you. Whether it's winter or any other time of year, you and everyone around you will be a little safer when you carry a first aid kit.
A basic first aid kit will cost around $30 and should include everything from basic bandages, aspirin, and antibiotic packs to a one-way valve shield to aid in CPR, trauma pads, and slings.
Jumper Cables: It is always a good idea to keep jumper cables with you, but especially in winter batteries can lose their charge in the cold. A car that won't start can be aided by other drivers if you have jumper cables, which may be the difference between you getting right back on the road, instead of waiting for help to arrive.
Flares: You should always have road flares in their emergency kit. If you are on the side of the road waiting for help or making repairs, flares warn other drivers to your presence, especially in a low visibility situation like snow or fog. Furthermore, it can also help emergency personnel locate your position much more quickly.
Flashlight: A simple but vital tool, a flashlight is exceptionally vital in the event your situation occurs in the dark. Without a flashlight, you may find yourself trying to see by the light of a moon that is covered by clouds.
Weather Radio: A battery-powered weather radio can be a lifesaver, helping you know when and where to expect weather. You may find yourself in a situation where you have little cell phone service or you are draining the battery, but you need to know when temperatures may drop and winter weather is expected to move in.
Extra batteries: Common double-A and triple-A batteries are vital for your flashlight, radio, and other devices.
Charged Phone: As much as possible, when traveling during the winter, make sure your cell phone is charged before you leave. If you have an older cell phone that can still get a signal, keep it charged and in your console. Even if you not having service with the phone, if it can get a signal, you can still actually still call 9-1-1 on it in case of an emergency.
Bag of Sand or Kitty Litter: Kitty litter and sand can be spread in an icy area to aid in traction and help you get un-stuck.
Shovel: In addition to sand and kitty litter, a shovel can help you dig your tires free and find traction to get out of a slick, stuck situation.
Tool kit: Whether you are driving in winter or summer, you should carry enough tools to make basic repairs and change a tire. A minor issue shouldn't be the difference between getting back on the road and being stranded.
Dried Food: Keep enough non-perishable food in your vehicle to help you keep your energy and warmth up, while also improving morale if you will be stranded for a while. You burn through calories quickly by shivering, and if you're stranded for hours, you'll grow tired quickly. If you are driving in a remote area, this is especially important.
The key to making sure you are not stranded is making sure your vehicle is properly maintained. Bring your car to Jody's Automotive in Jonesville for oil changes and other maintenance needs to ensure you are ready for winter.