Winter Survival Kit for the Car

Winter is here with a vengeance today. Slippery roads and unpredictable weather have commuters taking it easy. Are you ready if your car goes off the road? Or if you have a breakdown in a remote area? Here are a few tips on items you should keep accessible in your car this winter.

I try to remember to always have a hat and warm gloves in the car this time of year. And I reminded myself just yesterday that I have to move my emergency items to the backseat. The first thing to freeze in my car is the trunk. Won't do me any good to have jumper cables if I can't open the trunk!

So I ran a search online for winter survival kits and came up with some great tips from Ready Wisconsin. (those folks know WINTER!) So grab a plastic tote and fill it up with the following items...

• A shovel
• A windshield scraper and small broom
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Battery powered radio
• Water
• Snack Food, including energy bars, raisins, and candy
• Matches and small candles
• Extra hats, socks, and mittens
• First aid kit with pocket knife
• Necessary medications
• Sleeping bag or blankets
• Tow chain or rope
• Road salt, sand or cat litter for traction
• Booster cables
• Emergency flares and reflectors
• Fluorescent distress flag and whistle to attract attention
• Cell phone adapter to plug into lighter and an extra cellphone battery

Some other great tips include putting the batteries in the flashlight in backwards. This will prevent the batteries from running down if it should accidentally get turned on. Put the items in a plastic container in the backseat, just in case your trunk (like mine) freezes shut.

One thing that's saved many people in this state is your cellphone's GPS signal. If you're stranded, call 9-1-1 and the police may be able to locate you through your phone. And, if you're taking a trip, let someone know where you're going, when you're expected to arrive, and what route you're taking.  Maine is a beautiful place in the winter! Let's make it a safe place too!