This morning I woke up to an alert from the weather center. A major winter storm hit in Missouri and it left hundred stranded on highways. Are you prepared for a major winter storm? Would you have what you need in case you were stranded on a highway in the middle of the storm? Bodwell Chrysler Jeep Dodge wants you to be prepared with this winter emergency kit for your car.

You should always have a basic emergency kit in your car. These kits should have things you need in case there is an issue with your car.

Jumper Cables

You should always have jumper cables in your car. You never know when the battery might die. Someone might have turned on a light and didn’t realize it wasn’t turned out. The cold might have zapped the battery life. No matter what happened, the battery is dead and that means the car won’t start. You might find someone who is happy to help jump the car, but you can not count on them having a set of cables. If you want to be even more prepared, you can get jumper cables that have a small portable lithium battery. Just make sure that the battery you are carrying is charged or it will not help you.

Flare or Reflectors

These flares or reflectors are important. It helps people see your car when you are on the side of the road. It also makes people aware that there is a problem and you might need assistance.

Other Car Items

Having a bottle of motor oil or a gallon of engine coolant is something to consider too. These fluids are vital to your car and if you find you are low at an inopportune time, you might not be able to drive. Without the coolant, your car will overheat and this could crack the engine block, and render the car useless with a very high repair bill. Oftentimes, it is better to buy a new vehicle rather than replace it. Driving your car low on oil can also damage the engine. Once the damage is done, it is difficult and expensive to replace.

First Aid Kit

Having a first aid kit should be a no brainer to have in your car. It doesn’t have to be elaborate but it should be something you have on hand. Bandaids, burn cream, antiseptic cream and pain medication like Tylenol or Advil should be included. When thinking about winter car kits, and keeping in mind a possible stranded situation, it would be good to keep everyday medications in the kit as well. Just a few as a just in case.

Small Things

• These are things that can be extremely useful that are not always thought about
• Batteries and Flashlight
• Tool kit with screwdrivers, pliers, wrench and a pocket knife
• Tire gauge and tire inflator like Fixaflat

Winter Emergency Kit

When considering a winter emergency kit, think about things you would need if you were stranded on the road and couldn’t drive. Consider things like:

• Blanket– if it is cold and you can not run the car, you will be very cold. Having a blanket in the car can help you stay warm.
• Bottled water
• Snacks – things like granola bars, energy bars, and trail mix.
• Pen and Paper – this can be helpful in case you need to leave the car and want to leave a note for someone, or if you want to make sure someone knows you need help.

I like to keep my supplies in a box or tote in my trunk. This keeps everything contained and together so it isn’t making a mess. It also keeps it together so you are not searching for things while in an emergency situation.