Winter is upon us once again, and with winter often comes slippery driving conditions. Sudden snowstorms, freezing rain and sleet, and the dreaded black ice can wreak havoc with commuting and travel plans. Accidents are prevalent and you can be stuck in your car for a long time while they are dealt to. Also, it is more possible that you are in an accident yourself, and you may be stranded for a while.
In the winter, it is a good idea to have a bag or case with some basic survival gear in your car. This gear can help you if you are stranded or forced to wait in your car while a road is cleared.
Winter Survival Gear You Need
1. Ice melt and scraper
The most basic of winter survival gear that can help you avoid dangerous situations, or get out of them yourself, are ice scrapers or chemical ice melt. You can use these to get ice off your car windows to increase visibility, open stuck doors, and loosed frozen door locks.
2. Traction assistance
Various things that help with keeping your traction in the snow and ice are essential winter survival tools. Snow tires are important for snowy climates. Tire chains can be useful in very bad conditions. If you are stuck, it is good to have cat litter, sand, or gravel to create traction for your tires.
3. Snow Shovel
If you go off the road, or slide into a snowdrift, you will need a shovel to get yourself out again. There are even small folding shovels that can easily be stored in a trunk or behind your car seat.
4. Warm blankets and clothing
To survive an emergency situation in a car, you must have warm blankets and clothing, including gloves, mittens, warm scarves, and especially hats. In extreme circumstances, you will not be able to run your car motor to provide heat for long.
5. Water
Water is the one thing you cannot live without for more than a couple of days. Unless you have a fire source, you will not be able to melt enough snow to stave off dehydration.
6. Non perishable food
Having a small case or bag of non-perishable food is a great idea for your winter survival kit. Power bars, crackers, or cans of food may save your life if you are stuck for long.
7. Flashlight
A flashlight is essential so you can investigate any problems or even signal for help. It is a good idea to have a shake or crank flashlight in your car that does not need batteries.
8. Emergency Signals
Emergency signals such as very bright or flashing lights or road flares are a great addition to a winter survival kit. If your car goes off the road and snow falls on it, rescuers will not be able to see it unless you have some sort of signal.
9. Chemical warmers
There are various chemical warmers in various sizes that are designed for pockets and even seats of sports fans, hunters, and other outdoor enthusiasts. Having some of these in your car will help keep you warmer without using all your gas.
10. Cell phone
Perhaps the ultimate in winter survival gear is your trusty Cell phone. Calling for help, if you can get a signal, will save you from most trouble. Even if you cannot call out, rescuers may be able to pick up faint signals from your cell phone and locate you in that way.
Stocking your car with winter survival gear is an excellent thing to do. Not only can it come in handy if you have to wait for an accident to be cleared or snow to be plowed, it could very well be a life-saver if you, yourself are stranded in the snow and ice. Being prepared for any emergency is what will get you through it all right.
