Emergencies can happen at any time to anyone, particularly in the winter. With colder weather coming, there are a few items to keep in your vehicle to be prepared for any situation. You simply never know when you are going to be caught in a blizzard, hit a patch of black ice, or your car simply decides it is too cold to function.
For winter, your car kit should contain:
1. Ice scraper brush and shovel
An ice scraper brush can generally be found in any Canadian’s car as we all know how necessary this item is when we want to drive after a snowfall. But do not forget to also have a small shovel so you can dig compacted snow from under your car and around the wheels. Before thinking it is cheaper and less cumbersome to just use your hands to remove snow, doing so will lower your body temperature quickly and that is something you should not risk. You simply do not know if you can free your car or when help might arrive if you cannot.
2. Windshield washer fluid
Windshield washer fluid may seem like such an unessential thing, but you would be surprised what a difference it makes. Windshields get incredibly dirty incredibly quickly in winter with all the slush flying around. Having grime blocking your vision as you are driving is an accident waiting to happen. Some fluids can also help with ice removal should your windshield begin to freeze over when it rains.
3. Flashlight
A flashlight can be used for many things, such as helping you see to change a flat tire after dark. Having one when you are stranded will not only keep you from becoming afraid in the dark but also can be used to wave down passing motorists or help the tow-truck driver to find you. Though your headlights and hazard lights might be more noticeable, they will quickly drain your car battery. The cold can also cause issues with flashlight batteries, so having a USB chargeable flashlight or, better yet, a windup option is the best choice.
4. Emergency flares
Emergency flares are also a smart item to have in case of an accident, if only to prevent more accidents. These road flares should be set up to warn oncoming traffic that your car is in the way with enough distance that they can stop or re-route around you safely. The recommended distance to have these warning lights are 120 feet for roads with a speed limit of 70km or under and starting 340 feet away for any place with higher speeds. Emergency flares can also improve visibility of an accident site and help any first responders find the location more easily.
5. Jumper cables and safety absorbent
If you can get someone to stop to help you, they may not have the means to give your car a jump. Be sure to always keep booster cables in your own car as it is much cheaper than having to pay for a tow truck and it might be you who sees a stranded motorist in need of a jumpstart for their car. Traction mats, sand, kitty litter, any sort of safety absorbent is key when your vehicle or a stranded motorist has hit a slippery spot and leaves the car stuck on a patch of ice.
6. Candles and lighter
Candles and a lighter or matches may be a surprise, but these items are for heat rather than light. If your car gets stuck, leaving your car running is not the best option. For one, you will run out of gas and that means whoever comes to help rescue you will also need to bring fuel. For another, your exhaust might become blocked by ice or snow and carbon monoxide will fill the car. But lighting a candle (preferably in a metal can) makes a great heater that can help keep you warm for hours.
7. Warm clothing, rain poncho, and a blanket
While waiting for help to arrive, you do not want to risk getting hypothermia. Having some spare winter clothing —such as scarves, toques, mittens, and snow pants— and a warm blanket can help save your life. Or, if you can fix your vehicle yourself, these items can help keep you dry when trudging around your car through the snow. A packable rain poncho is also a good idea, so you have something to throw on over your winter gear when freezing rain is falling.
8. Food and bottled water
Bottled water and non-perishable food can be great even if you have not slammed into a snowbank and gotten stuck, but it is wonderful to know it is available when you have. Just be sure to use plastic bottles so they do not break if the water freezes and replace them every six months.
9. First aid kit
Carrying a first aid kit in your car is a must no matter what time of year. It is one of the most essential items you can have, be it in your house or your vehicle or your workplace. Along with the usual items of gauze, bandages, scissors, and antiseptic, be sure to include spare medication that you cannot do without for a couple of days. You need to stay alert until you are rescued, and even if help comes quickly, you still may not be able to get home on time to take your pills.
10. Mobile phone and charger
While most people are not going to keep an extra mobile phone in their car, preferring to keep their device on their person, but be sure to have a spare charger for your phone in your vehicle. If your car is not capable of powering up your portable, consider purchasing a small power bank instead. You will need to remember to keep it charged up too, as the last thing you want to realize when your car breaks down on an empty stretch of road is that your phone’s battery is dead.
It may be tempting to go in search of help, but it is actually safer to stay in your car. Not only is it more likely you will be noticed, but your vehicle provides safe shelter from any sudden storms. However, do move around as much as you can in your car as it will maintain circulation, keep you warmer, and help you stay awake too.
When it comes to travelling in ice and snow, please remember to drive slow!