No time is great for your car to break down, but during harsh winter weather, it can be downright dangerous. An excellent way to plan ahead and keep your family safe is by keeping an emergency kit in your car for this exact scenario.
A1 Windshield explains some of the best items to include in your car’s emergency kit.
What Is an Emergency Kit?
The worst thing you could do during a roadside emergency in freezing temperatures is to leave yourself unprepared. An emergency kit is a small bag of supplies that you leave in your car in case you break down or get stranded in winter weather. Your kit should include items that can signal for help and will keep you and your family safe until help arrives.
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Emergency Kit Supplies
Your winter kit should have a variety of items to help keep you and your family warm while combatting ice and snow on your car and helping you stay visible in stormy conditions.
Blankets
Keep a blanket on hand, as well as several Mylar blankets (also called emergency blankets), since they pack up small and are easy to fit anywhere.
Extra Hats and Gloves
If you have small children, it’s a great idea to keep a spare set of gloves, a hat, and maybe even a jacket in the car in case you need to bundle them up. If you get stuck on the side of the road, you may end up waiting awhile in the cold.
Ice Scraper
Keep a small ice scraper for cleaning windows and your windshield.
Portable Shovel
A small, portable shovel comes in handy if you get stuck in the snow and need to dig your tires out.
Cat Litter
Keep a bag of cat litter to help with traction if you get stuck on ice or snow.
Flashlight
You should carry at least one flashlight and backup batteries to see or flag someone down for help.
Reflective Triangles
These are handy to have year-round. Set up the triangles around your car, so oncoming cars see you from a distance.
Flares
These can be used to flag down help in the dark, especially in times of fog or low visibility.
First Aid Kit
A basic first aid kit should have supplies to care for minor cuts and scrapes, including bandages, sanitary wipes, antibiotic ointment to prevent infection (such as Neosporin), as well as any essential or lifesaving medications that may be needed.
Snacks
Non-perishable snacks like crackers, trail mixes, and granola bars are great additions to an emergency kit. Anything that won’t spoil quickly and can provide quick energy is beneficial and can also keep children occupied during a period of waiting.
Water
You need to keep drinking water on hand in case you get stranded somewhere for a period of time.
Matches or Lighter
These items come in handy in the event you need to start a fire to stay warm.
Cell Phone Charger
Keep an extra car charger for your cell phone, so you have a way to communicate or call for help.
Jumper Cables
It is a good idea to keep a set of jumper cables, so they are available if your battery is dead. Not everyone who stops to help will have some.
Related Post: How to Safely Clean Shattered Glass in Your Car
A1 Windshield in Springfield, MO
Get your car winter-ready and prepare for emergencies. The expert team at A1 Windshield, located in Springfield, MO, can repair or replace your car’s windshield. We even offer mobile repair around the greater Springfield area.
Contact us online or give us a call if you want your repair or replacement handled by a company with over 40 years of experience.