Though most trips we make in winter months and inclement weather prove uneventful, there are times when we might run into some trouble on the road or want to help another person who's run into some trouble. Having the items packed below in an "emergency" kit will prove to be a lifesaver if you need it; let's hope you don't, but it's better to be safe than sorry!
Even if you only need one of the items packed in your winter "emergency" kit, you will be so glad you had it at your disposal. You never know when a storm could break out, and if you are at work and your ice scraper is at home in the closet; that isn't going to help you much. It only takes a moment to put together this kit, and it might just save your (or someone else's) life. Grab an empty box that will fit securely in the back of your trunk and load it nicely with a flashlight, blanket, jumper cables, first-aid kit, some protein bars or snack food, jug of water and warm clothes.
Keep a small shovel in the trunk along with the emergency box for cases where you might have to dig yourself out. This has happened to me on more than one occasion, so it's not an unlikely occurrence. Don't get one that looks like you're into burying people or anything suspicious; there are some collapsible ones you can get!
Next, toss a bag of kitty litter or sand in your trunk because this will help you get out of slippery/icy situations. It also gives you the necessary weight in the back (junk in the trunk!) to keep you from "fish tailing" or swerving all over the road if you do hit a slick spot. If you choose the sand, you can use it later to fill buckets to use as outdoor ashtrays or your kids' sandbox (or neighbors' kids' sand boxes). If you get the kitty litter and don't use it afterwards, give it to a pet shelter!
Make sure you pack some water and snacks in case you become stranded for a while while waiting for help. Also get some warm clothes and blankets in there to keep yourself or someone else warm throughout the bitter-cold, raw winter months.
When spring rolls around once again, feel free to remove the winter items, but keep the flashlight and jumper cables, water, & food in there.
