What To Do In An Emergency
Anyone who’s lived in a winter climate has seen a car stranded on the side of the road – a dangerous and often frightening situation to be in. If this should happen to you, the first thing to do is to call 911 to alert police of your location and let them know you need help. Your goal when stranded is to be very visible (so cars passing by know to keep clear of your car and avoid a collision) and to protect yourself from the elements.
Carry these items in an easy-to-reach tote in your back seat or trunk throughout the winter months:
- a heavy blanket to keep you warm in case of engine failure
- jumper cables to restart a dead battery
- a flashlight and spare batteries
- items to help you get “unstuck” from a snow bank: tire chains and/or sand (or cat litter), a small shovel, and a bag of salt to help melt snow and ice
- a first-aid kit
- lightsticks or reflective triangles to make your car obvious to passersby
- protein-rich snacks like energy bars
- an extra hat, coat, boots and gloves
- an ice scraper to keep windows clear and the car more obvious
A little effort to get your car in tip-top shape will give you peace of mind as you set out on wintery roads, and help eliminate the risk of a costly repair. More importantly, planning ahead can help you stay safe!