Emergency Car Needs For Winter

2016 October Emergency Preparedness Newsletter

So Fall is finally here and before Winter truly arrives it is important for us to start preparing the cold weather. At any time the weather can change from breezy day to a full blown Winter storm, and for many of you driving to and from work every morning can be a dreadful task. A stalled car in the middle of the road can set you back at least one hour while waiting for help to arrive from your insurance agency or from triple A. Whether you have personal car insurance like me that covers many car maintenance problems or triple A; waiting for them to arrive is virtually endless. 

Until these agencies arrive it is important for us to have several items in our car to sustain us and keep us  warm while we wait.

This month we will be focusing on getting our cars ready for the Winter months and also preparing a car emergency bag.

First: Car care

Remember, tire shops and mechanics are busiest just before and during winter storms.

Get a vehicle winter maintenance check-up. Don't wait to check your battery, belts, hoses, radiator, lights, brakes, heater/defroster and wipers.

Keep your fuel tank full — don't let it fall below half a tank on winter trips.

Second: You will need some items in your car in case an emergency occurs:

1. A duffle bag filled 

2. A flashlight & batteries

3. A small portable radio with batteries 

4. Two water bottles 

5. Two protein bars

6. Two small packages of raisins, chocolates, crackers, 2 small bags of nuts, gum and a small bottle of peanut butter.

7. Extra personal medications

8. A small first aid kit

9. A large and small heavy duty rope

10. 2 buttons to suck on to create saliva to moisten your mouth and lips

11. A warm blanket

12. Extra set of Winter gloves, scarf and socks or leg warmers

13. Germicide cream and bandages

14. Cutting scissors

15. A small jar of Vaseline Petrolane jelly to moisten your lips and to loosen nuts and bolts

16. A charged cell phone & car cell phone charger

17. Toothpaste and tooth brush

18. 1 large liter bottle filled with extra water for your engine or for your own personal use.

19. Emergency cold and hot pads (2 of each)

20. A medium size shovel, 3 newspapers and 1 small bag of cat litter to get the car out when stuck in the snow.

21. One toilet paper roll, 1 small box of tissues and 10 hand wipes

22. Three flares and two help signs (one for the front of the car and one for the back.

23. Waterproof matches and a  candle

24. A small set of scriptures, 1 ensign magazine, a large atlas map & GPS.

25. Duct tape

26. A note book and pen.

27. An umbrella

28. Sunglasses and an extra pair of reading glasses.

29. A car tool box filled with all necessary tools.

30.  A set of warm boots

31. Personal identification papers with emergency contact lists of family and friends and a current phone book.

All of these items can fit well in a duffle bag or backpack and in a medium size plastic storage bin.

I hope this may help us all get ready for Winter. 

Wishing all a great Autumn and enjoy the colors around you as you drive.