An Emergency Kit Show and Tell to Help Shift Into Winter

We’ve been focusing a lot lately on preparing for winter driving, and an important part of that is making sure you and your car are equipped in case of an emergency. There are many lists out there with recommendations on what you can pack (see below for a few resources to get some good ideas), but we thought we’d go one better and pop our trunk and share a few of the items we like to carry around when the temperature drops.

cell phoneCell phone: You may not find coverage everywhere, but this could be a life-saver. Make sure it’s charged up and ready to go.
First Aid Kit
First aid kit: This is a good thing to have with you any time of the year.
Kitty Litter

Non-Clumping Kitty Litter: It’s not just for cats. In fact, it can be handy for a couple of reasons:
1. It’ll add more weight to improve your traction when driving, and
2. You can spread it on the ground to help your vehicle get traction on snow/ice.

Warm clothingExtra clothing: Packing extra shirts, pants, gloves and hats will help keep you warm if you find yourself stranded in cold weather. A pair of boots (on you or inside your vehicle) will help keep you warm and safe, especially if you have to dig yourself out of a snowbank.

Emergency candle

Candle (and a lighter or matches): It can be useful for a little light, warmth and to melt snow for drinking water.

Washer fluid
Extra fluids for your car: We’ve got windshield washer fluid pictured here, as you can go through a lot of it during the winter, but remember to pack any other fluids your car may need (oil, transmission fluid, etc.).

Ice/snow scraper

Scraper: A necessity to get ice off your windshield/windows.

FlashlightWindup flashlight: These can be great if you run out of batteries. Some models also include a radio and the ability to charge cell phones and USB devices.

Food
Water

Food and water: Always carry extra. If you find yourself stuck for any length of time, you’ll be glad you packed it.

Multi Tool

Multi-Tool: You never know what tool you might need in an emergency, but chances are you can find it on a good multi-tool.

Shovel

Shovel: Handy if you need to dig yourself out of a jam.

As we mentioned, there are many other useful items you might want to think about packing. A warm blanket and jumper cables are good examples, as are any prescription medications you may need. And if you’re travelling with children, make sure to bring something to keep them occupied, like a toy, book or a game

As promised, here are a few other resources to check out for more winter driving emergency kit ideas:

What do you carry in your emergency kit? Connect with us on Facebook or Twitter and let us know.

Share this page:SharingFacebookTwitterLinkedInCopy Text

Page 1 of 12 comments on “An Emergency Kit Show and Tell to Help Shift Into Winter”

Leave a Reply to tranbceditor Cancel reply

  1. Reflective sign for back windows
    A game book ie word search to keep you occupied without draining your cell battery
    Fresh socks and definitely a toque style hat
    Heat pockets
    A piece of hot water insulation to sit on

  2. Why you say, “forget to pack any other fluids your car may need”, and then emphasize with, “don’t pack any other fluids”? This is NOT a mathematical, double-negative that becomes a positive, but an “Emphatic Discouragement”.
    The first word that children learn to ignore is “Don’t”. It carries into adulthood, but in the subconscious memory. Better to say, “Remember to …”.
    “I can’t remember what it was that you asked me not to forget.”

    • Thanks for your suggestion Jim. Given that the first section of text is a sub heading for the related information below, we feel that sentence makes sense. But we agree that it is always better to remain in the positive and will update to say “remember”.