Car Emergency Kit

Car Emergency Kit Supplies

bucket and lid or small backpack
first aid kit, N-95 mask
blanket or mylar space bag
poncho
wool hat
cotton socks (for feet or hands)
flashlight and batteries or cyalume stick
matches, candles, heat packs
pocket knife
map, compass, contact information
pencil and paper
cash, coins
contact case
toilet paper (sealed in a bag), garbage bags
diaper, wet wipes, feminine sanitary supplies
water bottles
high energy foods: hard candy, nuts, raisins

Car Tools

window scraper
tool kit
jumper cables
reflectors, flares, fire extinguisher
folding shovel
sand, salt, or kitty litter
tire chains
tow chain or rope

Advance Winter Travel Preparation

  1. Check weather conditions before travel.
  2. Keep your gas tank full.
  3. Plan primary and alternate routes in advance.
  4. Don’t travel alone. Inform others of your travel plans.

Travel Advisories from the National Weather Service

  1. Watch: a winter storm is approaching.
  2. Ice storm: a substantial layer of ice is expected to accumulate from freezing rain.
  3. Heavy snow warning: 4 or more inches expected within 12 hours.
  4. Blizzard warning: heavy snow, winds of 35 mph or more, temperature 20 degrees or less.
  5. Severe blizzard warning: very heavy snowfall, winds of 45 mph, temperature 10 degrees or less.

When You Are Stranded

  1. Stay in your car unless you can see shelter. A car provides protection and visibility.
  2. Be visible.
    1. Attach a brightly colored cloth to the antenna, mirror, or window.
    2. Turn on emergency flashers. At night, turn on the inside dome light.
  3. Stay warm.
    1. Keep your head covered.
    2. Start the car and use the heater for about ten minutes every hour.
    3. Try to stay dry.
    4. Move your arms and legs to stay warm and to keep blood circulating.
  4. Keep fresh air in the car. Beware of the gentle killers—carbon monoxide and suffocation.
    1. Keep the tailpipe free of snow or ice buildup.
    2. Run the motor and heater sparingly with the downwind window open.
    3. Be aware that freezing wet snow can completely seal the passenger compartment.
  5. Take turns sleeping.
  6. Don’t leave children alone in the car.