The Scout motto has it right: Be Prepared!

When driving in the winter months, whether a few miles or across the country, it is advisable to have a winter car emergency kit for survival in your car.

10 Items To Build Your Winter Car Kit
Windshield Scraper: Car’s defroster can fail. – Snow Brush (45% off)
Water: Your lifeblood. Sip and conserve.
Multi-tool: Knife, pliers, etc. – Gerber Multi-Plier Tool (51% off)
Crank LED Flashlight – LED Crank Light (67% off) and Lantern (60% off)
Light Sticks: Lights help visibility and mental comfort. – Light Sticks (43% off)
Energy Bars: Avoid chocolate. – Clif Bars, Crunchy Peanut Butter (29% off)
Small Candles and matches: A surprising amount of heat. – Tea Lights (40% off)
First Aid Kit: Nothing over the top, just the basics. – First Aid Kit
Blanket: Wool is the way! – Wool Rescue Blanket and Mylar Blankets (83% off)
– Reflectors: Signals to put on or around your vehicle. – Emergency Warning Triangle (65% off)

Extras if space allows:
Jumper CablesHeavy Duty 20′ 4 Gauge Booster Cable (40% off)
ShovelFolding Shovel (40% off)
Sand, Salt, or Kitty Litter
Flares
Radio: Crank or battery operated – Emergency Solar Hand Crank Radio w Cell Phone Charger (75% off)
Hand WarmersHotHands Hand Warmers

car emergency kit

Your bags are packed, but is your winter car emergency kit?

Calling For Help
Location: Call 911 with your location as you can best describe it. Get lights, reflectors established to make you visible.
Condition: Inform the operator of the status of everyone in your vehicle, any medical assistance needed, and you contact information and that of your destination.
Instruction: Follow instructions from the operator. If you must leave the vehicle, write down your name, address, phone number and destination, and leave it in the unlocked car on the dashboard.

Other Travel Tips
Fill it up: Keep your gas tank at least half full.
Route it out: Tell people your travel route and estimated arrival time.
Stay put: Bad weather puts you at risk of hyperthermia, exhaustion, becoming disoriented and lost. Your vehicle is life protecting shelter. Walking in a storm can be very dangerous. You might become lost or exhausted. Your vehicle is a good shelter.
Conserve: Your energy and your car’s. Run the engine only 10 mins per hour and minimize your own physical activities. You cannot risk getting sweaty. Do check exhaust to make sure it is clear of snow.
Be patient.

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@travelblawg
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Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission.