Each year around this time in my area, the leaves begin to change and the weather starts to get cooler. There is always one evening where I am out and by the time I get home it is dark and quite chilly. I shiver as I rush to or from my car. This is when I make a mental note to myself that I need to start carrying a sweater or jacket with me if I am going to be out.
Usually the next day I grab my car emergency kit and begin its seasonal overhaul. In the summer we don't need extra blankets, hand warmers, or hats, gloves and scarves. In the winter we do. I also will toss in an extra old jacket or two.
Now that my kids are older they all have their own vehicles. I insist that they keep up their own emergency kit (bag) in their cars too. My car now holds less items as I don't usually have the whole family in the car with me. However, when they do go out with me, I insist that they grab a jacket on the way out and if it is really chilly, hat, gloves, and scarf too.
So let's talk about what is in my emergency kit (bag):
First let's talk about the bag or container. I use an extra large canvas bag that had a zipper on top. I could fit most all of the items in it and zip it up. I tossed it in the back of my SUV where we could reach it from the inside of the vehicle. Some people use a Rubbermaid or plastic tub with a top on it. The idea is to keep it all contained and in one place. If you drive a sedan you might choose to keep it in your trunk. That is okay too.
1. Blankets: small, afghan size, usually fleece or fleece-lined. I grab older blankets we don't use at home anymore and throw them in. One for each member of the family. I can't tell you how many times the kids used these blankets while traveling in our car. I would too. My husband and I don't always agree on where the heat should be set in the car.
2. Extra Warm clothing items: hats, gloves or mittens, scarves, hand warmers, warm socks. A set for each member of the family.
3. Food/Water: Look for food items like protein or breakfast bars. You don't want anything that would explode or leak if it freezes. Peanut butter crackers are also a good choice. Water bottles. No explanation but a caution here. Place them in a ziploc bag and check them often because they will freeze and thaw throughout the season.
4. Old Towel (s): with little kids, I always kept an old towel or two in the back of the car. I never knew when I might have to clean up a mess. Also, it gave my husband something to lay on if he had to lay on the ground under the car. So I keep an old towel in my emergency bag.
5. Portable Radio: I would choose one that is hand crank over battery operated so you don't have to worry about saving battery power or if the batteries are working. This radio could keep you informed on weather alerts, news, and entertained while you are waiting on help. This is a new item not in my old posts about car emergency bags. If you are stuck in the car your gas and car battery will eventually run out and this portable radio will serve you well. You will be glad you had it. This should probably be in your regular emergency bag in your car.
Questions you might have:
I already have a car emergency kit. Why do I need additional food/water and other similar supplies in my winter emergency bag? You don't. If it is already in your car then you might just want to refresh what you have. No one wants to eat stale peanut butter crackers.
I don't want to keep water sloshing around in my car. Any other ideas? Sure, when I was working outside the home, I took my lunch each day. In my lunch box (insulated small cooler), I kept extra water, extra snacks, napkins, plastic utensils, and small packages of condiments (salt, pepper, etc.) I did not keep water in my car at that point. When we would go out later in the evenings I would throw a bottle or two of water in our kids diaper/toddler bag. I had water covered wherever we went, but it was not stored in the car. I just kept it top of mind. Make your own plan. Make it work for you. The idea is to be prepared.
I have read other blogs and they are recommending additional survival equipment. Why aren't you? This Winter Car Emergency Kit (Bag) that I am talking about is what I switch in and out as the seasons change. I do have some additional emergency supplies in my car all the time. I don't want to double up on supplies. For example, I have flares, a multitool, first aid kit, and other items already in my basic car emergency kit. The items I add are specifically to keep me and my passengers warm while we are waiting for help.
The take away:
A couple years ago my daughter and I were out running errands. It was super cold outside. While we were out I noticed that I was really low on gas and began heading to the gas station. Well, we ran out of gas. I pulled off the road but wasn't able to make it into a parking lot and the gas station wasn't close enough. I called my husband to come "save" me. While we waited it was quite chilly in the car. The wind was blowing pretty hard outside and the car got pretty cold quickly. Luckily, I had our winter coats in the car and my daughter climbed into the back and grabbed our winter emergency bag with the blankets. We bundled up and were warm while we waited. Luckily we didn't have to wait too long but we were thankful we had those blankets in the car with us.
Your winter kit should have the items that you all need. Think about what you might need if you ran out of gas or had car trouble and needed to stay with your car and wait an hour or two for help. Think about what you might need if you needed to wait overnight for help. Think about who might be in the car with you. These ideas might help you formulate your own kit personalized for you and your family.
Hope these ideas help. Stay safe.
