While you’re out driving in the winter months, you know that something bad or unexpected can happen in a flash, and you need to be prepared no matter what. Are you prepared if something happens and you need to get yourself out of a jam fast? We list everything you need to keep in your car this winter in case of an emergency.
What to Keep in Your Car for Emergencies this Winter | CBSHOME
- Kitty Litter
You’ll need something in your trunk that can provide traction in the event that your car gets stuck on the snow. Sprinkle kitty litter on the snow around your tire so your tires have something to grip.
- Boots, Gloves, Blanket
Keep something warm in the trunk of your car to wear also. We recommend boots, scarves, hats, gloves and even a blanket. If you do have to wait for a tow-truck or help to arrive, you probably don’t want to waste all your gas so you can keep the heater running, so make sure you can stay warm while waiting.
- Extra Charger
Again, if you have to turn your car off, you’ll want to have a backup charger so your phone has enough juice to make a call or text.
- Shovel
There are many small shovels that are perfect to keep in your car. If you have to dig yourself out of a ditch or snowbank, a shovel will come in handy to get your car out. Once you dig out the snow, lay down your traction under your tires for a better chance of getting out easily.
- Ice Scraper
This should be an essential in everyone’s car this winter, whether you’re stuck or not. You’ll never know how much snow or ice will come down while you’re at work, at the mall or overnight. Be prepared for winter weather and keep an ice scraper with a brush in your car all season long.
- Jumper Cables
Jumper cables are something you keep in your car just in case, but hope you never have to use. Keeping them handy could be helpful for your own car, or it could mean helping out a friend in need.
- Snacks
Toss a few granola bars or beef jerky in your glove box in case you’re stuck and get hungry. Especially if you have kids in your car often, they’ll appreciate having something to snack on.
- Windshield Washer Fluid
With all the salt and slush being kicked up from the streets in Omaha, you most likely clean your windshield much more often than normal during the winter months. Keep an extra bottle of windshield washer fluid in your trunk for emergency refills. Driving with a dirty windshield can be hazardous, especially when the roads are slicker than normal.
- Flashlight
During the winter months, the sun goes down so much earlier! Since we seem to live in a constant state of darkness during this month, it can be extremely helpful to be able to grab a flashlight to help lighten things up when you are having car trouble. We know that most phones have flashlights built in, but it’s best to prepare for unforeseen circumstances like a dead phone!