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Be Totally Prepared for Winter
Oct 24 2007 by Emily Hansen
10/24/2007
Safety Bob and My Emergency Kit
I am married to Safety Bob, who has taken the Boy Scout motto, "Be prepared," to the extreme. I often get completely exasperated with his need to pack just one more "emergency" thing for a trip, or with the tub full of "emergency" stuff he puts in the back of my car for my daily driving. Every winter, though, when there's a tragic story on the news about someone getting lost or stuck in their vehicle for hours or even days, I'm relieved that he's so diligent.
Thanks to Safety Bob, my car is stocked with an amazing array of emergency equipment at all times, but as winter approaches my regular kit always expands to accommodate some cold-weather items. With the help of Safety Bob (who is professionally trained in emergency preparedness), I've made a list of things to keep in your car's emergency kit, plus a few items, listed at the bottom, that you should add for winter. If your idea of emergency preparedness includes a hot cup of coffee and a scone, pay attention. While those things are nice, here are some more, um, helpful items to keep in there, too. Just call me Safety Bobette.
The Always-Have Kit:
- Bottled water: This is good advice wherever you are, but you should definitely have water in your car at all times. Remember to check the expiration date and replace when necessary.
- Non-perishable food (nuts, dried fruit, granola bars): This will help keep the kids from thinking about being hungry. Might as well throw some cookies in there for yourself, too. Again, watch the expiration dates.
- First-aid kit: Another must-have; bandages, antiseptic wipes and some pain reliever are the minimum requirements. Heck, this is good for a crazy day at the park, let alone a major roadside incident.
- Blanket: If you need to stay in the car for a while, running the engine might not be an option. The blanket will keep you warm in the winter, but is still a good idea in the summer in case someone goes into shock. It's great for date night too, if you decide to go parking�
- Flashlight: There are some nifty wind-up types that don't require batteries. If you don't have that kind, make sure to add a couple batteries to this list. You never know if your car's power will work in an emergency; don't assume it will. Replace the batteries every so often, so that you know they'll work.
- Multitool pocket knife: This can come in handy for lots of reasons, not the least of which is opening the so-sealed-you-can't-use-it package of new batteries.
- Road flares/triangle: One of the most dangerous things about being on the side of the road is other cars not being able to see you. Help them out!
- Collapsible shovel: Safety Bob tells me this could help you get unstuck from a variety of spots, not just snow. And if you have a 5-year-old looking for something to do while you wait for help, send the little guy out to dig some holes (away from the road, of course) and blissfully watch the time pass.
- Jumper cables: Someone else may have these, but it's always best to have your own — and know how to use them.
- Basic auto tool kit: Even if you don't know how to use the tools, having them handy for someone who does is a good idea. Basics for this kit include tire-inflation goop, a wrench, a screwdriver and a hammer. Nail file? Well, sure.
- Cell phone: Having a charged cell phone for emergencies is a smart idea, especially if you travel with children. Many providers have minimal pre-paid plans that are useful for this purpose.
- Roadside assistance: Services like OnStar and AAA are well worth their price if you experience even one emergency in your car.
- Kid's activity box: This may not seem like an essential, but believe me, if you're stuck in a car for a few hours you'll be glad you have a book or two and a pad of paper to keep the kids occupied. Maybe add a couple cheap-o, unwrapped items from the dollar store, too: Never underestimate the allure of a brand-new $1 toy.
For winter, add these items:
- Ice scraper: Even if you normally carry one in your car in the winter, having an extra could save you from that Murphy's Law day when you break your regular one.
- Tire chains/traction device: The chains your dad used are still available, but there are lots of other useful devices that could mean the difference between getting home and having to use the rest of the stuff in your kit.
- Winter boots: It's best for you to stay in your vehicle in most cases, but there may be times when you need to walk around the car or venture slightly farther away. In those cases, your feet will stay dry and happy rather than getting wet and dangerously cold. If you've been dying to justify a new pair of Uggs, here's your chance.
- Hats and gloves for as many passengers as your car can carry: As your mother told you, you lose most of your body heat out of the top of your head. Keep that heat in; you may be there for a while.
I know what you're saying: "Ugh — a car kit? Seriously?" If the idea of making your own kit makes you roll your eyes, there are a couple of sassy pre-made kits you can get. Barbara Kay has a line of tools made especially for women, and it offers a nifty roadside kit that includes a guide to help you get through an emergency with a level head. The Smart Girl roadside emergency kit includes a few things beyond the basics of my homemade kit — including chocolate (duh!) — and comes in a super-cute lunchbox-like tin.
As boring as these things are, think of it like you would buying a pair of comfortable shoes: A respectable emergency kit, plus good basic maintenance of your car, could save you a lot of hassle in the long run, even if it does take up some precious cargo space in your car.
It may even save your life.
