Pack these must-have supplies in your vehicle:
Ice Scraper: Let's start with the most common-sense item. You'd be surprised at the number of drivers who run their car down trying to heat the windshield enough to melt the ice on it, all because they forgot to bring a scraper. Keep a sturdy one in each of your cars. They're inexpensive and durable.
Blankets: The single most important winter emergency supply that you can keep in your car is spare blankets. Your body loses heat quickly. In the event, your car won't start or you get stuck in a snowdrift, blankets lengthen the amount of time you can keep warm before starting to succumb to the cold. Remember, the only long-term heat you have in this situation is the heat your body's losing. Blankets give emergency crews more time to get to you safely.
Extra Winter Clothes: In most situations, it's better to stay at the site of the accident or incident. This is where emergency personnel and rescuers will look first. In a winter storm, your tracks will become covered up quickly. There are rare circumstances where you may need to move, and blankets aren't as useful as extra clothes. Whether you stay put or move, extra layers will preserve your body heat longer.
First Aid Kit: One of the most likely reasons you'll be stranded is due to a crash. From snow drifts to black ice, winter makes the road more dangerous. Even if you're a very safe driver, not everyone else is. Someone going too fast can slide across ice and send your car careening off the road.
A basic first aid kit is inexpensive, and one around $30 will include everything from basic bandages, aspirin, and antibiotic packs to a one-way valve shield to aid in CPR, trauma pads, and slings. These will also come with first aid guides that can help you.
Jumper Cables: Batteries lose their charge in the cold. This means jumper cables are crucial. A car that won't start can be aided by other drivers if you have jumper cables – that can be the difference between you getting right back on the road versus waiting for hours for help.
Tire Sealant: Winter introduces new problems, but it doesn't remove the old ones. Getting a tire puncture can leave you in a bad way, so pack emergency tire sealant that can help you get those extra few miles to safety on a flat.
Flares: Every driver should keep road flares in their emergency kit. A flare burns incredibly bright. It can help warn other drivers to one side of the road in a blinding snowstorm, so that they can avoid making an accident worse. It can also help emergency personnel hone in on your location faster.
Flashlight: The worst stranded driver situations happen at night. Flashlights allow you to see in the dark, signal for help, and not lose your way. In an emergency situation, it's important to keep track of the simple things so you can think. If you can't even see the simple things, you're already a step behind.
Radio: A radio can help you stay on top of weather developments. This can help you plan in an emergency where you expect to be stranded for hours or more. A wind-up radio means you don't have to worry about batteries. If you rely on a battery-powered one, then remember:
Extra batteries: Batteries are useful if you have a flashlight or radio. These are important because remember – batteries of all kinds don't last as long in the cold. Having replacements on hand can save you a lot of stress. Stow a few extra packs in your purse, bag, or briefcase.
Charged Phone: If you have an older cell phone that can still get a signal, charge it up and keep it in the car. Despite you not having service on the phone any longer, if it can get a signal, you can still call 9-1-1 on it in an emergency. Other numbers won't work, but a service plan is not required to complete a 9-1-1 call. Keep it wrapped in your blankets to stay warm and check it now and again to ensure it's still charged.
Bag of Sand: This is an old-school solution, but sand can be spread to aid in traction in an icy situation. That can help get your car out of a slick area. Cat litter works well too!
Shovel: Whether a full-size or half-size shovel, having something to dig with can help you clear snow drifts around your car so you're easier to find. It can also help you dig ruts that can help with traction if you're stuck.
Tool kit: You don't need to bring the entire tool shed with you but have the right tools on hand to change a tire and do very basic maintenance. A small problem shouldn't be the difference between safety and stranded.
Dried Food: If you're going to be there for a while, you may as well not go hungry. Food can help you keep your energy and warmth up. You burn through calories quickly by shivering, and if you're stranded for hours, you'll grow tired faster than you imagine.
Be sure you know how to use each of these items. You don't want to learn when you're cold or injured. Don't worry about the added weight of some of these items. Having a bit more weight will actually add traction to your car, and all these items put together will weigh less than an adult passenger does.
Make sure your vehicle is in tip-top shape, so you avoid many problems. Have RetroLube change your oil, check your fluids, and install a set of safe winter tires. Stay safe out there!