WEATHER
What should you have in your car if you are in a snowstorm?
It’s of life importance to be prepared for driving and surviving in a snowstorm. Here’s a list of necessary items to ensure your safety.
When you’re driving in a snowstorm, it’s essential to be equipped with the right items to ensure your safety. Here’s a detailed list of items that you should keep in your car during a snowstorm:
Emergency Kit
An emergency kit for your car is a set of important items and tools that can be extremely helpful in unexpected situations or emergencies while driving. If you have a well-stocked emergency kit in your car, it can boost your safety and help you deal with everyday problems or challenges that may arise.
- First aid kit
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Multi-tool or knife
- Basic toolkit (screwdrivers, pliers, etc.)
- Reflective triangles or road flares for visibility
Warm Clothing
Warm clothing is crucial during a snowstorm to prevent cold-related illnesses or injuries and maintain body heat.
- Blankets or sleeping bags
- Extra gloves, hats, and scarves
- Insulated, waterproof boots
- Winter coat
Communication and Navigation
In summary, being well-equipped with functional communication devices and navigation tools enhances your ability to respond effectively to changing conditions and emergencies on the road, ensuring safety, timely information, efficient navigation, and assistance when needed.
- Fully charged cell phone with car charger
- Portable charger or power bank
- Road maps or GPS device
Food and Water
During winter emergencies, having access to food and water is essential for physical well-being, warmth, and resilience against challenging weather conditions.
- Non-perishable snacks (energy bars, nuts, etc.)
- Bottled water or a thermos with a warm beverage
- Emergency water purification tablets or filters
Traction Aids
Traction aids ensure vehicle stability, control, and safety during snowstorms. They enhance grip, prevent wheel spin, and enable easier maneuverability. This reduces the risk of getting stuck and ensures compliance with local laws. Traction aids help maintain forward momentum, prevent slips and slides, and enhance safety for drivers and passengers. They are also essential components of winter emergency kits.
- Bag of sand, salt, or cat litter for traction
- Traction mats or tire chains
Shovel
A shovel is a crucial tool during snowstorms for many reasons. It helps improve accessibility, reduce the risk of accidents, prevent property damage, and assist emergency services. A shovel can clear pathways, ensure vehicle accessibility, prevent ice buildup, maintain visibility, prevent ice dams, create safe play areas, and clear paths for utilities. It’s also an essential item in an emergency kit for winter preparedness.
- Compact folding shovel to help dig your car out of snow
Window Scraper and Brush
Window scrapers and brushes are essential for maintaining clear visibility and ensuring safe driving conditions during snowstorms. Regular use of these tools promotes responsible and safe winter driving practices.
- Ice scraper for windows
- Snow brush to clear off accumulated snow
Car Maintenance Supplies
During snowstorms, car maintenance supplies ensure a vehicle’s safety, reliability, and functionality. They help protect essential components from freezing, prevent unexpected breakdowns, optimize tire conditions, ensure optimal stopping power, maintain the engine’s proper operating temperature, enhance visibility, keep the vehicle’s interior warm and comfortable, and contribute to emergency preparedness. Regular maintenance and appropriate supplies are critical to having a well-prepared and functional vehicle in snowy and icy conditions.
- Antifreeze
- Windshield washer fluid
- Extra motor oil
- Tow rope or chain
Extra Items
Extra items are crucial during snowstorms as they contribute to emergency preparedness, safety, and overall well-being.
- Portable, battery-powered heater (if safe to use)
- Waterproof matches or lighter
- Hand warmers
- The reflective vest or brightly colored clothing for visibility
Important Documents
It’s important to have important documents on hand during snowstorms for safety, emergency preparedness, and unforeseen situations. These documents include identification, emergency contacts, medical information, insurance, financial and legal documents, vehicle registration, homeownership documents, travel itineraries, educational and employment documents, communication plans, prescription information, and pet documents (if you are a pet owner). These documents help you to access resources and services, file insurance claims, handle financial and legal concerns, coordinate communication, and address health needs. Being well-prepared with these necessary documents enhances your ability to navigate and address challenges during adverse weather conditions.
- Copy of your driver’s license and registration
- Insurance information
- Emergency contact numbers
It’s essential to check your vehicle’s condition regularly, including tires, brakes, battery, and fluids, before winter arrives. Keep your gas tank at least half full during winter to prevent freezing fuel lines. Constantly monitor weather forecasts and road conditions before traveling in snowy or icy conditions, and consider postponing your trip if conditions are severe.