Winter Travel Emergency Kit: Do You Have One?
Winter can be a great time to take a trip but traveling through the cold, ice, and snow can pose a real safety risk. Being prepared for the worst is key to preventing the worst, and that means having an emergency kit.If you're driving the entire way just pack an emergency kit ahead of time and throw it in the trunk. If you're flying and then renting a car pack an emergency kit in something like a small gym bag and pack it into the bottom of one of your checked luggage pieces.
Winter Car Emergency Kit
- 3lb coffee can, candles, and matches (to keep warm and for melting snow for drinking water)
- Whistle and a red bandana/brightly colored garbage bag to call for help/let rescuers know where you are
- Some granola or candy bars
- A flashlight with spare batteries
- A first aid kit (including any essential medications)
- A blanket (special foil-type survival blankets fold up to a very small size)
- Basic tool kit
- Jumper Cables
- Ice scraper (most rental cars don't come with them)
But emergency kits aren't just for drivers. People planning to hike, ski, or camp in winter climates should also plan for the worst. An emergency kit designed for hiking or camping will probably need to be smaller since it has to be carried instead of simply stashed in the trunk.
Basic Survival Kit
- Basic first aid kit: bandages and antibiotic ointment, medications
- Whistle
- Bright (orange or yellow) garbage bag, bandana, or hand mirror for signaling rescuers
- Compass
- Pocket knife
- Candles
- Matches (waterproof)
- Flashlight with fresh batteries
- Lightweight survival blanket
- Granola, candy bars, or other high-energy snack
- Flares
- Shovel
- Saw/Axe
- Extra warm clothes (hats, mittens, scarves, socks)
- A small amount of cash and coins (for pay phones, etc)
