We may not be driving much this year because of the lock-down, but if you do drive, it’s important to have an emergency kit.
Driving in the winter can be an unpleasant experience. Slippery roads, poor visibility and extreme cold can be difficult to contend with. Though your car may be equipped to handle the winter drive, you also need to be ready for the unexpected, and the chance that you may end up stuck in your car for a long period of time. Having a proper winter emergency kit can be essential.
CAA has developed a list of items to include in your winter emergency kit to help winterize the inside of your car.
Here is a list of items they recommend including in your emergency kit:
- Flashlight (preferably crank-type, because batteries don’t last long in extreme cold)
- Reflective safety triangles or flares
- Small first-aid kit
- Snow brush and scraper
- Traction aids
- Small shovel with long handle
- Bag of abrasive material: sand, kitty litter (avoid road salt, which can cause your vehicle to rust)
- Plenty of windshield washer fluid
- Booster cables
- Gas-line antifreeze
- Lock de-icer (in extreme cold, keep it with you, rather than in your vehicle!)
- Paper towels
- Small tool kit (screwdriver, pliers, etc.)
- Extra fuses (for the vehicle’s electrical system)
- Warm blanket
- Extra socks, boots and gloves
- Hand and foot warmers
- Bottles of water
- Granola bars
Check your kit at the start of each winter season to replace any older food and water and to ensure all other items are in good shape. Once your kit is loaded and stowed in your trunk, hopefully you’ll be able to “weather” any situation until help arrives.
