Weather in Colorado can change in an instant and a winter emergency kit can help ensure your safety. This week, after three trips to the slopes, I finally assembled a winter kit of my own. I am a big fan of being prepared. I keep enough food in my desk at work to host a medium-sized cubicle party. So last year when the temperatures plummeted, I was happy to have the essentials in my vehicle.
Start the season off right by winterizing your vehicle. Be sure that you have de-icing windshield washer fluid. My grandmother always told me to carry 50 cents in case I needed to make a phone call. Times have changed, but I do make sure to fully charge my phone and bring my car charger. If you don't have an LED flashlight make sure you have extra batteries. I also keep jumper cables in my car year-round. Never leave for a long trip without a full tank of gas and be sure to tell someone where you're going (watch 127 Hours or Into the Wild if you need convincing).
My winter emergency kit 4 bottles of water 1 pocketknife 1 can of Sterno 1 steel cup (for melting snow) 1 lighter 1 small box of matches 1 candle 1 LED crank flashlight or headlamp 1 ice scraper/snow brush 1 large trash bag (this can double as a sled) Duck tape Flares 1 small first-aid kit 1 good map 1 deck of cards for the kids to play with 1 package of tissues (this can double as toilet paper) A warm blanket or sleeping bag Hand warmers Wool socks (these socks are my favorite) Boots Gloves
Non-perishable food items
For icy roads and severe conditions
The snow we got the first weekend in November seems like a good sign that this will be a great season. After you make your winter emergency kit, check out these winter car care tips from Tommy Newnes.
Can you think of something else I should include in my winter emergency kit? Tell me about it in the comments.
--Kirsten