Winter Weather Survial Kit
A winter survival car kit is an absolute necessity in areas with cold, brutal winter weather. Winter weather conditions can change quickly and you need to be prepared each and every time you drive, even if it is just for a short trip to the local market. Accidents can occur without warning and not being properly prepared can become deadly in cold weather.
You can purchase a kit with essential items at many hardware and department stores, or order from on on-line distributor. You can also assemble your own kit from items you probably already have around your home, saving you time and money.
Essential survival kits items include:
1. Blankets or sleeping bags to keep you warm while you're inside the car. Pack as many as your space will allow so that they are available for all passengers as needed.
2. Flash light and extra batteries. Store the flashlight and batteries separately from each other to prolong battery life.
3. A shovel to dig out snow from around the tires if you should get stuck. Folding shovels take up less space and can be purchased at any hardware store.
4. A bag of sand or kitty litter. After you dig the snow from around the tires, place sand or kitty litter in front of the tires so that it will give traction in the path of the tires as you pull forward.
5. An ice scraper. There are ice scrapers with a glove attached to help keep your hands warm.
6. Bottled water. Keep enough on hand for all passengers who may travel in the car.
7. Packaged food. Food such as crackers, energy bars, canned fruit or meat (if not with pop-top lids, also pack a can opener).
8. Warm clothes. Pack gloves, hats boots, extra socks and a heavy jacket, waterproofed if possible.
9. Jumper cables.
10. Fix -a Flat. This will give you a temporary fix that can be driven on for thirty miles or so.
11. First aid kit. Keep a fully stocked first aid kit in your car at all times. Add extra medications if you need to take them daily.
12. Disposable diapers and baby food if it might be needed.
13. A battery operated AM-FM radio with extra batteries. Don't take a chance of running down your car battery listening to the radio.
Pack all your items in a plastic bin or duffel bag and store in the trunk of your car. Drive safely, but know that if you do have a break down or an accident you have prepared yourself ahead of time.
