Building Your Car’s Winter Emergency Kit

If you live in, or expect to drive through, an area that suffers from winter weather (including freezing temperatures, snow and ice), the Colorado Department of Transportation suggests your emergency kit should include these items:
First aid kit
Essential medications
Flares or reflectors to signal for help and warn other drivers
Flashlight
Extra batteries
Jumper cables
Snow and ice scraper
Snow brush
Survival blanket or sleeping bag
Tire chains and/or tow straps
Extra set of winter clothes
Snow shovel
Non-clumping kitty litter or sand for traction

Some Extra Things to Consider

If you want to be extra prepared, Ready.gov recommends a few additional things you may consider:

Keep a portable cell phone charger with you.
Keep your gas tank at least half full.
Have a mechanic check your car’s antifreeze, brakes, heater and defroster, tires and windshield wipers to help ensure they are in good shape.

If you have an accident or get stuck in serious weather this winter, you’ll be relieved that you were prepared.