Winter Emergency Kit Necessities

If you have ever driven through the mountains during the late spring or early autumn, then you know just how quickly the weather can take a turn for the worse. In a similar manner the weather on the plains or lowlands can become nasty and potentially hazardous to the average driver. After all, is there really a state in the United States where there is not a phrase that goes "If you don't like the weather, wait five minutes because it will change?"

As the time of year gets closer to the winter season, the weather is only going to become more volatile and dangerous. So, the question that you need to ask yourself is whether you are going to be ready when those changes in the weather come. Agencies such as the American Red Cross and the American Automotive Association all recommend (often in the strongest possible terms) that every vehicle carry around a "winter emergency kit" for when those worst-case scenarios stop being scenarios and become true. If you don't already have a kit, then you should put one together as quickly as you can to help keep yourself and your family safe. To that end, here is a list of things that you really need to have in your own personal kit and why you should have them.

• Jumper Cables. Pretty self explanatory. If your car dies (i.e., your battery stops working) you are going to need these to be able to help start the car again.
• First Aid Kit. If you stop and think about it, this is something that you are going to need in case you or a family member gets hurt. This kit should include a basic how-to for first aid as well.
• Folding Shovel. Pick up a folding shovel, otherwise known as an e-tool, from any local army/navy surplus store. These are perfect because of the limited space that they take up and the multiple purposes that they can be used for. Some of the purposes include ax, pick and shovel.
• Food Supply. Another instance where you can visit the local surplus store to get your needs met. I would strongly suggest that you pick up a case of Meals Ready to Eat (MRE's). While they may not be the best tasting, they do have a virtually unlimited shelf life and include a heater that works off a chemical interaction with water.
• Bag of Sand. A bag of sand is going to help you when you least expect it. This material is perfect for being able to give you extra traction when you get stuck. Simply spread some underneath and around your tire as needed. If you don't like sand, then take a look at using another item such as kitty litter. The coarser grains found in kitty litter might just provide the extra little bit of traction that you need to get out of slippery situations.
• Scraper. This is definitely a necessity. This useful tool helps to remove ice from your windows so that you can see.
• Blanket. Perfect for if you are stranded somewhere and either have to conserve gas or you are out of gas. Simply wrap the blanket around you to keep warm, but you might also want to consider including an extra set of winter clothes as well.
• Flashlight. It gets dark at night, and during the winter it only seems to get darker. Help brighten that darkness by using a flashlight. Make sure that you have an extra set of fresh batteries on hand so that you don't run out of light.
• Bright Colored Cloth/Emergency Triangle. During a snow storm it can be pretty hard for other motorists to see someone that is stranded on the side of the road. In situations like this, a piece of bright colored cloth or an emergency triangle can help you to be noticed.
• Candle and Matches. One of the easier ways to add heat (and light) to any situation is through the use of candles and matches. Another beneficial use of the candles would be to melt some snow for water if you need it.
• Metal Coffee Can. This is a great item to have in your kit, particularly when you need to melt some snow for more water.
• Pocket Knife. Pocket knifes are great for opening things that don't want to be opened. If you have a multi-tool then this will be part of that as well.
• Multi-Tool/Basic Tool Kit. You are going to need either a multi-tool or a basic tool kit in your car. This is so that you can perform basic maintenance if it is needed.
• Rope/Tow Chain. If you happen to get stuck a tow chain is a great way to be able to get unstuck. If you don't have a tow chain, then get some high-tension rope.
• Flares. When it comes to snow storms, it's hard to be seen during the day time. At night it gets even more difficult. Brighten your odds of being seen by using some simple road flares.