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No one expects to be stuck in a car, especially during the cold winter months, but expecting the unexpected can be the difference between a mere inconvenience and a life-threatening situation. The items you carry in your car will be the only things you use in an emergency, so always be prepared if you plan on going out. road trip.
Even if long drives don’t take you through the countryside, remember that even short walks in the snow can be dangerous, especially during low temperatures or intense cold winds. . Such a heavy, wet snowfall experienced on the East Coast in early January – like the situation faced by hundreds of motorists stuck on I-95 in Virginia overnight – exactly the type of failure “Commutageddon” can put you at risk. And a young couple in Oregon recently found out risk getting stuck in the wilderness. What would normally be a short, easy walk to help could be life-threatening due to worsening weather conditions. Instead of taking the risk, it is safer to contact emergency services and sit down in your car.
Also, make it a habit to keep your gas tank full during the winter. If you get stuck and run out of gas, the worst situation will only get worse.
Having these items in your car can be the difference between life and death during a winter weather emergency, and they’re all cheap and easy to find:
Water and food
This may seem like a no-brainer, but hydration is crucial. You don’t want to eat snow (or melt it to drink) because you don’t pack bottled water. Eating liquids that are nearly freezing can lower your body temperature, making hypothermia faster. Leave bottled water in the car, preferably in a warm place. And Drink when you’re thirsty. A dehydrated diet leads to dehydration, interferes with mental health and can lead to dangerous situations. Drink what you have so you can stay coherent enough to tackle the problem at hand. Consider packing small, high-energy survival foods like protein bars and other items designed for outdoor enthusiasts who need to pack a lot of light.
Blankets and coats
This also seems obvious, but wearing warm clothes because you are comfortable driving won’t do you any harm in sub-zero temperatures. Emergency blanket cheap and easy to find and you should always have Outer clothing suitable for the weather to wear in case you get stuck outside when you don’t intend to. ONE knit hat is a great way to keep you warm and a set dry socks is a good idea in case you have to get out and push. Wet, cold feet are a risk factor for hypothermia.
Poncho, umbrella or raincoat
Snow is just frozen water. If it starts to melt, you’ll get wet, and the only thing worse than being cold is being cold and wet. Hypothermia is no fun, so it’s smart to have some simple protections in place. A cheap price poncho is compact and easy to store. One Umbrella More practical and reusable. ONE real raincoat can be a lifesaver in an emergency.
Chemical hand/foot warmer
The following are important for cold climates. These packages can be found at any convenience store, the gas station, hardware store, outdoor supply store, or really anything that sells consumer products. They can last for hours and some are even reusable.
Basic first aid kit
This really needs no explanation. If you try to dig your knuckles out, you’ll want to clean and bandage the wound. It doesn’t make any sense to survive hours buried in a snowbank only to die of an infection later, does it? Be smart.
Flashlight or two
While modern phones are almost universally equipped with LED flashlights, a dedicated flashlight simply won’t compete with your communications device for precious power. Plus, you won’t be completely screwed if you drop it in a puddle. A few dollars at the gas station will get you a passable LED flashlight.
Jumper and charging cable
If you get stuck for a while and run the battery down, you’ll need a way to back it up. Jump cable is your bare minimum here. ONE battery powered starter is an even better option, but we’ll come back to that.
Jump starter / power brick
USB-based The one who started dancing and electric brick is a huge benefit in an emergency situation. A brick capable of starting your car multiple times and still charging at least one cell phone costs less than $100. Modern batteries are very stable and last a long time in storage and can be fully charged before going on the road.
Flares or other emergency signal
This is another item useful all year round, but especially so in environments with limited visibility. You’ll want this to alert everyone to your vehicle’s presence and to your own so first responders can easily locate you (and other traffic on the road can avoid you). , if). And if you’re stuck on one shoulder, reflection triangle will alert other drivers of your presence.
Phone charging cable
ONE phone charger is one of the most important things you can carry with you, of course you must have a phone. If you don’t, well, you’re crazy. But remember that chargers are only useful when you have power. If you run out of gas and drain your car’s battery, you’re in trouble. Consider upgrading from a simple charger battery-based electric brick. Some of them even have solar cells. Remember, if you are in an emergency and your cell phone has power, your first call will be always send 911.
Shovel
A folding shovel They’re a great utility to dig yourself out of, and they fold up to no more than the size of a paper plate.
Zipper
Pull belt Not just to help others. You should have one in case you get stuck. We recommend at least 25 feet and sewn end loops (no studs). A chain works too hard if you have a rope (and of course the means to secure it at both ends).
Survival Straw
A game changer in case you run out of juice. They are relatively cheap to find and can filter thousands of gallons of natural water into drinkable before it’s all used up. Essential when your bottled supplies run out.
Drag board / sand / tire cover or chain
Ask anyone in the 4×4 community: Drag table can be the difference between a very good day and a bad day. They are expensive and large, and are only really practical for vans and SUVs have room to store them, but they’re unmatched in getting you out of low-traction without someone to help. drag. Tire chain (where it’s legal) and cloth tire covers have their place, but they’re more useful once they’re in the car than when you’re stuck. Sand, cat poop or a Carpet can be used as an alternative to a pull-in board, but it’s hard to beat the real deal.
Compressor
The compressor won’t do anything for a blown tire, but it will save you bacon if your spare is low or you just need to air in/out the tire to remove the tire. It will also help you out if slow leaks become a problem and you never know when Pneumatic may be useful in other emergency situations.
Glass hammer
Just because it’s cold doesn’t mean you can’t stay submerged, and in particularly extreme conditions, it’s possible your doors and windows could even freeze. No matter the season, a good one glass hammer is a valuable vehicle safety item.
Change clothes
We mentioned blanket, jacket and dry socks, but a full change of clothes is even better, especially if you get wet.
