Winter survival kit essentials for your car
January 09, 2016 | SECURA Insurance

Winter’s icy roads and plummeting temperatures present greater driving challenges and more dire consequences after mishaps. To prevent problems in the first place, good winter driving sense and a well maintained car are essential. Heed weather alerts, don’t let your gas tank approach empty, and make sure your tires have good tread.
When those precautions aren’t enough, a winter survival kit can help you get out of serious trouble.
Keep yourself warm
- Carry wool or down-filled blankets or sleeping bags in case you are stuck overnight.
- Keep a candle and matches in a clean coffee can for providing heat and melting snow.
- Store non-perishable, calorie-dense food.
- Pack extra warm clothes, especially hats, gloves, and boots.
- Stock up on hand, toe, and body warmers.
Get back on the road
- Have tire chains or cables.
- Carry sand, road salt, or kitty litter for traction.
- Keep a small shovel and ice scraper in the vehicle.
- Pack a tow strap and jumper cables in case someone is around to help you.
- Assemble a small tool kit, and keep a multi-tool in the glove box.
- Include an emergency pump, spare tire, or canned inflator and tire sealant.
Communicate and signal
- Have your cell phone and car charger.
- Know phone numbers for emergency towing. Check with your insurance company to see if they offer a free service like SECURA's Roadside RescuerSM.
- Attract help with roadside flares, reflectors, fluorescent distress flags, and LED emergency beacons.
- Keep a flashlight with fresh batteries.
Remember health and hygiene
- Pack toilet paper, a garbage bag, and hand sanitizer.
- Prepare a first aid kit.
Stay sane
- Maintain children's morale with cards, games, or books if you have to spend several hours in the car.
- Use a wind-up radio for weather reports and music, without draining your car battery.