Preparing your winter emergency road kit
Whether you are planning an epic road trip this winter or will be staying closer to home, having a well-stocked winter emergency road kit on board is a must. Here we will look at a few of the core elements to consider when preparing your winter emergency road kit, so make sure that your winter will be memorable for all the right reasons this year by being ready for anything.
Warmth
The first thing you are going to need is plenty of ways to stay warm; after all, should your ride let you down you may not be able to rely on the heater. Start by packing a few extra sweaters and jackets, as well as toques, scarves, and gloves, while hand and feet warmers can make a world of difference. It is wise to have waterproof matches, paper, a hatchet, and even some kindling on board as well, just in case you are stranded for a longer period of time and need to start a fire to stay warm.
Tools
Having even just a few of the right tools on board is vital, as this can often be the difference between being able to get yourself out of trouble and back on the road versus being left waiting for someone else to help. For example, a foldable shovel is essential if you get stuck in a snow bank, jumper cables are a godsend should your battery go flat, while a portable jump starting pack is pure magic if you ever lose power somewhere remote.
Nourishment
Even if nothing is wrong with your vehicle, it is easy to find yourself stuck on the road during winter due to traffic congestion or harsh conditions, so make sure that you and your crew have enough food and water to get through even a lengthy delay. Non-perishable food is best, such as nuts, chocolate, and protein bars, while canned fruit, pickled beets, or jerky will be much appreciated by hungry passengers. Don’t forget about water either – as the average adult needs roughly 2 litres of water per day – and be sure to bring your water in insulated containers to prevent it from freezing before you can drink it.
First aid
When you are far from home help can be hours away, which means you need to be ready to take care of your own first aid needs should a situation arise. Ideally, you should always have at least one person on board with first aid training and the following supplies are essential;
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Band aids
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Bandages
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Antiseptic cream
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Tweezers
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Scissors
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Safety pins
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Hand sanitizer
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Extra supplies of any prescription medication you or your passengers require