Winter Is Coming: How Many Of These Emergency Must-Haves Do You Have In Your Car?

After everything the last two years have thrown our way, we’re taking winter 2022 very seriously. This year, we’re expecting the unexpected. We’re hoping for the best and preparing for the worst. We’ve got backup plans for our backup plans. What we’re trying to say is that no matter what happens this winter, we’re ready for it. And we want to make sure you’re ready too!

We know you’ve done your due diligence. Your tires are changed, your fluids are topped up, your battery is charged and ready to go. But what do you do when the unexpected happens to you? Are you prepared for a winter emergency?

Let’s take a look at the things you can do and the items you can pack to ensure a safe snow season:

Stranded in the snow?

First things first. Keep calm and stay in your car! If you find yourself stuck in the snow, on the side of the road, or down in a ditch, your car is now your shelter. Staying put will keep you warm and you’ll avoid getting lost in a storm. 

Next you’ll want to shut off your engine and turn on your hazards (don’t worry, they’ll still work without the engine running). This will keep you visible to avoid any other potential accidents and help catch the attention of emergency responders. 

If you’re going to be there for a while, take a moment to make sure your exhaust pipe is clear. That way, if you want to start your engine periodically to warm up and charge your battery, you won’t have to worry about carbon monoxide poisoning. Another thing to keep in mind when you’re in it for the long haul is to keep moving! Maintaining circulation is critical to staying warm and alert.

Keep A Kit

Whether you’re stuck for five minutes or five hours, it pays to be prepared. Always keep an emergency kit in your vehicle stocked with the following items: