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Author: April Schroeder
A well-stocked winter car emergency kit can mean the difference between a quick rescue and a terrifying experience. Create a kit with warm clothes, a blanket, snow removal tools, a first-aid kit, food and water, a flashlight, jumper cables, road salt, and a car charger. Stay with your vehicle, make it visible, and conserve energy in an emergency.
It was the winter of 2011 in Flagstaff, Arizona. Lauren Weinberg had left her mother’s house four hours before being trapped in a snowdrift while driving her small sedan. She had no coat or water, and her cellphone battery was dead. Lauren shivered in her car as two more feet of snow piled around her. She survived on candy bars and melted snow for ten days with miraculously few injuries.
What she did right was stay in her vehicle. However, Ms. Weinberg could have had a much easier go of it had she been prepared. If nothing else, she would have been more comfortable until help arrived if she had a well-stocked winter car emergency kit. It can mean the difference between a quick rescue, a terrifying experience, lost toes, and an immediate return to comfort. But the truth is, very few of us have an emergency roadside kit in our cars. Cleveland grit is one thing, but life-threatening winter conditions are another; it is better to be as prepared as possible.
As the chill of winter sets in and snow begins to blanket the landscape, it’s crucial to be prepared for unexpected weather. A well-stocked winter car emergency kit can be the difference between a quick rescue and a terrifying experience. While many of us may overlook the importance of having an emergency kit, it’s essential to have one readily available in your vehicle, especially if you live in areas prone to harsh winter conditions.
Imagine being stranded on the side of the road during a snowstorm, with no way to contact help or protect yourself from the elements. A winter car emergency kit provides you with the necessary supplies to stay safe and comfortable until rescue arrives. It can also help you avoid potential hazards such as hypothermia, frostbite, and dehydration.
To prepare, create a winter roadside emergency kit checklist tailored to your given geographic conditions. Since we are in the Northeast, Ohio, a.k.a. the snow belt, that is our focus for this example.
Additional Considerations:
Alternatively, you can purchase prepacked emergency car kits. These are great gifts for new drivers.
Water is a troublesome item to store in your emergency roadside kit. The temperature variations in your car will cause problems with any form of H2O. Bottled water should not be kept in extremely high temperatures, and it doesn’t take a genius to know it will freeze when it is cold. To safely maintain water in your winter car emergency kit, you must rotate the product regularly. Always use distilled water and replace your supply every three months. An excellent way to remember this is to pair it with your oil change). Store the water in your trunk to avoid the greenhouse effect caused by your windshield and the high temperatures that come with it. Finally, place your water supply in an insulated cooler or wrap it in a mylar blanket.
According to Ohio.gov, you should get a tune-up before the weather changes. When fall rolls around, you should winterize your vehicle. It’s an essential part of winter roadside safety to make sure your car can handle the cold months. Be sure to include the following:
You should take several actions in the event of a roadside stranding. First and foremost, you should stay with your vehicle. The horrific story of the Kim family proves why. Mrs. Kim and her two daughters survived unscathed for nine days in uninhabited Oregon. Her husband, sadly, met his demise via hypothermia as he attempted to find help on foot. Stay. With. Your. Car. It’s the main rule in winter roadside safety. Next, make your car as visible as possible. Use any creative means you can think of to make your vehicle stand out. Reflectors, bright ribbons, flares, a mylar blanket, and an open hood are all ideas that can help you get spotted sooner.
Using your car heater risks killing the battery and carbon monoxide poisoning. If it is necessary, turn it on for a few minutes at a time. Ensure your tailpipe is clear of snow, and crack your windows slightly. Before using your heater, try these ideas to keep warm:
Being prepared for winter woes is a no-brainer in our neck of the woods, but we fail to act for some reason. I think it is the “it won’t happen to me syndrome.” I am certain Lauren Weinberg and the Kim family thought the same thing. I promise you will never regret creating a winter car emergency kit checklist or practicing basic winter roadside safety.
Remember:
Following these tips and creating a well-stocked winter car emergency kit can significantly increase your chances of staying safe and comfortable during a winter roadside emergency.
While you have little control over what the weather will bring, Distillata offers a more efficient way to protect your home or business from snow and ice. Get rock salt delivered right to your door. See how our ice-melt salt can keep you safe during the unforgiving Cleveland winter.
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