A few years ago during a chilly and snowy November, my car became stuck on a gravel road which was packed with snow - and in a cemetery, no less. I can’t begin to tell how much fun I had; cemetery, night falling, car is stuck in a few inches of snow…good times (not really).

I did have a flashlight, small hand shovel and a bag of kitty litter in the trunk, so between my son and I, we were able to dig the car out, but it took at least an hour and some good, strong elbow grease to eventually free ourselves from the cold clutches of a snowy cemetery road.

I know, you’re probably thinking it’s way too early to be writing about snow, ice and winterizing our vehicles, but the sooner we think about freezing temperatures, gusty winds and blowing snow, the sooner we can start to prepare for what will surely come our way once summer begins to cool off and fall silently begins to creep in.

The following are items you should have in your emergency kit for winter emergencies:

• Small hand shovel
• Ice scraper
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Battery cables
• Portable battery charger
• At least one bag of salt, sand or kitty litter (2 bags even better)
• Blanket
• Extra socks
• Extra pair of gloves
• Winter hat
• Flares/Hazard triangles
• Lighter or matches
• Red rag or red cloth
• Cell phone charger for vehicle use
• Non-perishable foods
• First-Aid Kit
• Call Police sign for window
• Extra antifreeze
• Important phone numbers

If you have children, you will want to pack extra items for them as well, such as gloves, hats and extra socks, as well as busy activities, like coloring books and crayons, books, audio-books and small travel games.  You can store everything in a duffel bag and keep it in your trunk or behind one of the seats in your vehicle.

Fill It Up & Stay Safe

In winter months, it’s important to keep your gas tank halfway filled at all times, but a full tank of gas is even better.  Having a full tank means your car will weigh more, allowing you to have better traction on snowy roads.  Another good reason to have a full tank of gas is that in the event your car breaks down or you are stuck in snow and must wait for help to arrive, you will need to run the car occasionally to keep warm.  Never, ever turn on the heater in your vehicle without turning the car engine on as well, otherwise you run the risk of getting carbon monoxide poisoning, which generally results in death for you and your passengers.  Again - when running the heater, always make sure your vehicle’s engine is running.  You may have to leave your car to make certain the exhaust pipe isn’t blocked by snow. If it is, you’ll have to move the snow out of the way either with your shovel or hands, before turning your engine on and running the heater.  Also, remember to use some of our guidelines for staying safe behind the wheel.  Just because you may find yourself in a temporary emergency situation, doesn’t mean you have to be a victim of the road.

Seek Attention

Tie a red cloth or rag to the antenna of the vehicle or hang it out the window, which alerts other motorists to your distress.  Display a “Call Police” or “Emergency” sign in your front or rear window.  Place orange hazard triangles near your vehicle or light flares if you see traffic approaching so motorists can better see your vehicle.

Stay With Your Vehicle

If you find you are stranded in blizzard-like conditions, never leave your vehicle to go look for help.  You could become disoriented in a blizzard and never make it to your destination or back to your vehicle. It’s best to stay inside your vehicle and wait for help to arrive or until conditions improve.  If you must leave your vehicle to seek help after the blizzard or severe weather has passed, remember to follow the road if possible and use landmarks as a sense of direction.

Know Your Route

When taking trips at any time of year, it’s a good idea to let someone know exactly where you’re going and the route you plan to take to get there. In the event that you are caught in bad weather and your cell phone doesn’t work, those waiting for your arrival will be able to track your route and eventually locate you or notify the authorities that you’ve failed to reach your destination.

Ice & Snow: Please Drive Slow

Remember the old saying, “Ice and Snow…Please Drive Slow” and adhere to it. Driving slow could save your life, the life of your passengers and other motorists.  If conditions are bound to get worse or you find yourself apprehensive about further travel, find a hotel or motel and wait out the storm.  Never pull over and wait it out since you could find yourself stuck in a situation you might not be able to get out of quickly.  While you have the chance, seek safe shelter and stay there until conditions improve.

Tags: Advice, General //