What Should You Keep In Your Car In The Event Of An Emergency This Winter?

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With winter almost here and holiday travel coming up quickly, it's important to think about those things that you should keep in your car for safety's sake. Having the right tools on hand can help save you from injury, harm or inconvenience while you wait for a tow.

First Aid/Personal Care Items

Whether you're in an accident and have been injured or are simply stuck in the snow, having personal care items in your car can literally be a lifesaver. Keep things in your car that will help you recover from an injury, will sustain you during times of car trouble, and will keep you safe from freezing temperatures. In other words, these items should focus on the essentials: food, warmth, and first aid.

• First aid kit. Your first aid kit should have gauze, bandages, disinfectant, scissors, aspirin, a thermometer, tweezers, and a cold compress.
• Energy food. Store the food that gives you the most energy in the smallest package. Granola bars, energy bars, and jerky will all give you a boost and tide you over while you're waiting for help. If you're going on a long trip in a remote area, try MREs (ready to eat meals used by the military).
• Water bottles. For winter driving, it's smart to have partially filled water bottles, because water expands when it freezes.
• Warmth. Camping blankets are good to keep in your trunk because they'll help you stay warm and fold down very small inside your trunk or the back seat of your car. Keep chemical hand warmers with the blankets or in your glove compartment.

Auto Care Items

In some cases, having these auto care items in the car can keep you on the road without needing a tow service at all. Here's what you should have on hand:

• Spare tire and jack
• Tire inflator and sealer
• Car owner's manual
• Jumper cables

Miscellaneous Items

If you're in an accident or if your car breaks down in the middle of the night, you're going to want these essential items.

• Flashlight. A crank flashlight is best because the batteries will never die.
• Charged cell phone with a 24-hour towing number programmed into the phone. Keep the phone turned off and the battery should last for a very long time. Consider companies like Fredericktown Marathon for your towing needs.
• Cell booster. This is another tool that can come in handy if you're driving a lot in remote areas or going on a long trip in a remote area.

If your car breaks down this winter, having these items on hand in your car will help you stay safe as you wait for the 24-hour towing service to arrive. 

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27 October 2015