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.

 

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