What’s Included in Your Vehicle Winter Preparedness Kit?

The first day of winter is tomorrow but we are definitely getting hit with lots of snow already. Do you have all of the emergency essentials in your car? Having a vehicle emergency kit available is a great way to prepare for any road or winter emergencies. Also, most kits come in convenient sizes to fit in the glove box. Safety should always be the first priority. It’s recommended to avoid the roads, if necessarily. If you have to drive, be cautious; make sure to buckle up and have a full tank of gas also.

The American Red Cross has a list of essentials that should be included in your Vehicle Winter Preparedness Kit:

• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Cell Phone Car Charger
• Blanket and/or emergency Mylar blanket
• Fleece Hat, Gloves, Scarf
• Flares
• Folding Shovel
• Sand or Cat Litter
• Ice Scraper and Snow Brush
• First-Aid Kit
• Small battery-operated radio
• Emergency contact card with names and phone numbers
• Extra prescription medications
• Bottled Water
• High protein snacks
• Maps
• Whistle

There are two already-made kits available for purchase on redcross.org: 

• Automobile first-aid zip kit. For $10.00, the kit includes an assortment of bandages, gauze, antiseptic, insect relief pads, sunscreen and sanitizer.

• Personal Safety Emergency Pack. For $11.00, the kit includes emergency blanket, drinking water, emergency poncho, light stick, whistle, mini first-aid kit and mask.

Know the Difference

• Winter Storm Outlook: Winter storm conditions are possible in the next 2 to 5 days.

• Winter Storm Watch: Winter storm conditions are possible within the next 36 to 48 hours. People in a watch area should review their winter storm plans and stay informed about weather conditions.

• Winter Weather Advisory: Winter weather conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous. When caution is used, these situations should not be life threatening.

• Winter Storm Warning: Life-threatening, severe winter conditions have begun or will begin with 24 hours. People in a warning area should take precautions immediately.

Here is a checklist of precautions you can take during this wintery weather! Also for more information on disasters and emergency preparedness, visit redcross.org.