How to Assemble an Emergency Roadside Kit for Winter

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Traveling in unpredictable winter weather can be more dangerous than driving during the summer due to unexpected snow storms that reduce visibility and ice that makes roads slippery. It's important to be prepared in the event of a car accident or being stranded due to inclement weather. Learn how to assemble an emergency roadside kit for winter so you're always prepared in case of a winter driving emergency.

Steps

1. 1
   Store everything together

   
   

   • Pack your winter emergency roadside kit in a duffel bag that fits in your car's trunk or back seat. Keeping all your supplies together will enable you to act quickly in the event of an emergency and prevent necessary items from getting misplaced or lost under seats.
2. 2
   Start with a first aid kit
   • A first aid kit is a fundamental element of a roadside emergency kit. You can purchase a ready-made first aid kit, which will include many important supplies, or assemble your own. Your winter roadside emergency kit should include bandages, gauze, tape, antiseptic solution, ibuprofen, butterfly closures, alcohol, burn ointment, tweezers, scissors, and vinyl or latex gloves.
3. 3
   Keep a well-stocked tool kit
   • Include a portable tool kit in your car for any roadside repairs. Your tool kit should include a screwdriver, vice grips, wrench, hammer, car jack, duct tape and jumper cables. Also carry a small folding knife that can be used for cutting duct tape to do repairs or for cutting clothing off to treat injuries, if needed.
4. 4
   Stay warm
   • Regulating your body temperature and avoiding hypothermia in a winter emergency is crucial, so keep items in your winter roadside kit that can help you stay warm and dry if you get stuck in inclement winter weather. Pack extra pairs of gloves and socks along with an extra hat so you can change if yours get wet while changing a tire. Store at least two blankets in your kit or in your trunk. Include chemical hand warmers and a mylar blanket, which looks like a thin piece of aluminum foil, but works with your body heat to keep your temperature consistent.
5. 5
   Include flashlights
   • Your kit should include multiple flashlights to help you see after dark and also to help you be seen and flag down passing cars or police. Pack plenty of extra batteries for the flashlights and keep them in thier original packaging so they retain their integrity.
6. 6
   Care for your car
   • Pack flares and reflective hazard triangles to place around your car and keep it visible to other motorists during a snowstorm. These help police or tow truck drivers see you better in a storm.
7. 7
   Stock nonperishable food
   • Keep plenty of bottled water and nonperishable, nutritious food items, like energy or protein bars, in your kit to keep you hydrated in case you have to wait a long time for assistance or better weather. Check expiration dates periodically and replace these items as needed.
8. 8
   Be prepared for winter weather
   • Keep a folding snow shovel and ice scraper in your kit in case you need to dig your car out of a ditch or snow bank. Also pack antifreeze and small candles or a lighter; these will allow you to melt snow for drinking water.

   
   

Warnings

• Never try to walk for help during a snowstorm. The snow and wind will make it easy for you to become disoriented and lost. Stay in your car until the storm clears, then make a plan of action.

Things You'll Need

• First aid kit
• Tool kit
• Blankets
• Snow shovel
• Ice scraper
• Antifreeze
• Bottled water
• Nonperishable food
• Road flares
• Reflective tape
• Extra clothing
• Flashlights
• Jumper cables

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