Best Winter Emergency Car Kit

Are you ready?

If you are prepared, you will be confident, and will do the job. - Tom Landry

The contents of the kit really depend on the situation, the people that may be using it, and many other factors.

Water: Drinkable water is of the highest importance. Most people can survive many days without food, but only for a few days without water, which can lead to organ failure and death. We often take water for granted when things are running smoothly, but in an emergency it becomes critical. Water is also useful for washing wounds and for sanitation. Water can also be helpful if your car overheats. Because of the limited storage space, storing water is usually easier if in smaller containers.

If you are low on water, DO NOT consume difficult to digest foods or anything salty because it requires more water to process by your digestive system.

Staying Warm

Synthetic or natural fibers - Synthetic fibers hold less moisture, so tend to be better than natural fibers, especially cotton.

Layering - This allows you to better control your temperature and allows you to remove your jacket while still having some layers underneath. Generally, three or four layers is best.

Radiant heat blanket - This can be a good outer blanket or emergency thermal blanket, because it can be much smaller than a thick, regular blanket. They're made of a reflective material which reflects up to 80% of your radiant body heat to help keep you warm and can fold up to fit in a pocket.

Waterproof breathable shell - A "shell" is just a protective, thin outer layer. Typically they are just protect you from the wind. However, you can also have a waterproof or water-resistant shell. A waterproof shell is beneficial if you need to spend time outside of your vehicle when it is wet or rainy out.

Hand Warmers are nice for quick, concentrated heat. You can put them in your pockets, gloves or shoes to help you to stay warm.

Download and print an Emergency Car Kit Checklist


Battery-powered radio and extra batteries OR a wind-up emergency radio
Plastic flashlight and extra batteries (reverse
batteries when not in use to prevent accidental
burnout; replace yearly)
Blankets or sleeping bags
Booster (jumper) cables
Fire extinguisher (5-pound, A-B-C type)
Bottled water
Nonperishable, high-energy foods: granola
bars, raisins, peanut butter, etc.
Compass and road maps
Dry clothing, gloves or mittens, winter boots
Telephone card and quarters for phone calls
(consider carrying a cell phone)
Sack of sand or cat litter (for tire traction)
Tire repair kit, air pump, basic tool kit
Pencil and paper
Knife
Shovel
Tow rope or chain
Flares and reflectors
Metal cup for water
Rope (tie self to car when leaving vehicle during a storm)
Three-pound coffee can, waterproof matches and candle stubs to melt snow for drinking water
Large plastic garbage bags to insulate feet, and
safety pins/duct tape to hold bags in place
First-aid kit with essential medications
Absorbant compresses
Adhesive bandage
Adhesive cloth tape
Sterile gauze
Instant cold compresses
Roller bandage
Assorted bandages, dressings
Antibiotic and hydrocortisone ointment, antiseptic wipes, eye drops
Breathing tube with one-way valve for mouth-to-mouth resuscitation
Oral thermometer (non-mercury, nonglass)
First-aid instruction booklet
Aspirin, ibuprofen, etc.
Tweezers

There is nothing worse than finding out something does not work at the time that you need it most. A shovel is of those very helpful tools that can be the difference between getting back on the road or sitting there, spinning your wheels. If the shovel breaks, is too short or hard to use, or simply will not chip through hard snow or ice, then that shovel is probably not worth much in an emergency.

The question is: which shovel is better when you are stuck in snow or ice during the winter?

Most of the emergency shovels available today are collapsible, which allows for easier storage. Of those shovels, most are plastic with a metal shaft. Often the shaft telescopes or bends at a pivot point. The blade is often of a hard poly material, but is not metal.

Advantages of plastic parts:

Lighter weight
No rust
Easier to hold onto if you lack gloves

Advantages of metal parts:

Stronger
Better chance of handling chipping at ice or compacted snow
Some metal shovels include a pick and have a serrated edge

Building Your Own Kit
The advantage to building your own kit is that you can customize the contents and the size, so that it fits well in your car or truck. By customizing it for your own situation, you can include such things as a window punch, needed medication, or better quality contents than you may get in a pre-built kit.

Buying a Pre-built Kit
The advantages of buying a a pre-made kit is that it can be less expensive and easier to find than buying the components individually. The bag or box is often just the right size for the contents too.

Plan for the worst, hope for the best!