In the winter, there are all kinds of unexpected things that can happen out on the road. The icy conditions and freezing temperatures affect many different things. Your battery may not work in the cold, or you may have to stay pulled over for awhile because of road conditions. Because of this uncertainty, it’s a good idea to always carry some winter essentials with you. Here are items you should consider including in your Winter Emergency Kit:
- Warm socks, hat, and gloves. Waterproof gloves cost more, but keep your hands from freezing and going numb.
- Sleeping bag or blankets.
- Non-perishable foods such as dried fruit, nuts, granola.
- Extra medication. Check expiration dates.
- Bottled water.
- Foldable or stowable shovel.
- Flashlights and batteries.
- First aid kit.
- Jumper cables.
- Tool kit:
- Screwdrivers (both flat-head and Phillips) Pliers.
- Box knife.
- Small selection of wrenches. Duct tape.
- Spare bulbs for either the marker lights or headlights. Extra fuses.
- Chains. Windshield de-icer and scraper.
- Emergency flares.
- Charged cellphone with emergency contact numbers. If you don’t have your emergency contacts memorized, then keep a paper copy as well in case you need to borrow a phone.
- Small section of tarp or other such material to lay on for installing chains.
