Automobile Winter Survival Kit
As winter weather approaches, so does the increase in accident rates pertaining to weather related events. Some winter storms, can leave drivers stranded on the roadside for hours if not days. During the winter, it is recommended that you keep certain items in your car in case you and your family are stranded due to bad weather. Below is a list of suggested items you should keep in your auto survival kit.
1. Water – Keep several bottles of water in your car. If you are stranded for any length of time, you will need water to survive. Our bodies require water to function properly and is an essential nutrient.
2. Matches – Just in case you need to start a fire to keep warm, you will need matches or a lighter. Also, you may need to melt snow or ice for an additional water source. Remember keep the fire away from the vehicle. Keep your matches in a dry place. On recommendation is to place several packs of matches in a small reclosable plastic bag.
3. Blankets – Nothing like a nice warm blanket, especially when you are stranding in freezing temperatures. Most people will have an old blanket around the house they can keep in the car for the winter months.
4. First Aid – In case you have an injury having first aid items in your vehicle could be a lifesaving item. Also, you might want to consider keeping a small supply of emergency medication. (Consult your physician on this topic.)
5. Jumper Cables – Having jumper cables can come in handy even in a non-winter event. If your battery is drained you will have the ability to jump-start your car. Also, you could help another stranded motorist.
6. Backup Battery Charger for your Smartphone – In this age of new technology, having your smartphone can be a vital part of finding out weather information, notifying friends and family you are in danger, and locating your actual physical position on a map. So keeping an extra battery charger for your smartphone is now an essential item.
7. Ice Scraper – Everyone needs an ice scraper during the winter months, you never know when a storm will approach and you need to clean your windshield for better visibility.
8. Nonperishable food – Of course you need to keep nonperishable food items in your automobile. If you are stranded, you will need food to nourish your body. Try to find items that have nutritional value and are nonperishable.
9. Tire Sealer and Inflator – Having a tire sealer and inflator kit could help you fix your flat and make it to the next exit. Also, you should check to make sure your spare tire is inflated and you have your carjack and lug wrench.
10. Seatbelt cutter and window breaker – This is another item that may not be used often, but could be the difference in saving your life or the lives of others. In case of an accident where the doors cannot be opened, you will need a window breaker device to get out of the car. Also, you might need to cut the seatbelt if the mechanism is locked.
Hopefully, this has given you some ideas for your personal car/auto winter safety kit. One more thought, you will also need a FLASHLIGHT!