by Pat Merewether

Created on: November 15, 2009

Although it's rare for travelers to get lost in a snowstorm, it does happen. You're more likely to need emergency supplies as a result of a traffic jam or disabled auto during winter. An emergency kit will make sitting in a cold car for hours, or in a worst case much longer, more tolerable and may save your life.

Here is a list of items to keep in your car to get you through an emergency situation during winter.

1. Cell phone fully charged. But keep in mind that even though you may be able to call for help, in extremely bad weather it may take a long while for help to reach you. Also keep a list of emergency phone numbers.

2. A First Aid Kit complete with a small bottle of hydrogen peroxide, bandages, a small pair of scissors, a needle and thread,

Aspirin,hand sanitizer and Kleenex.

3. A butane lighter and/or matches in a waterproof container.

4. A couple of votive candles in a metal or glass holder

5. A flashlight with extra batteries.

6. Two 20 oz bottles of water for each person in the vehicle.

7. A blanket, preferably wool.

8. A can of Fix-A-Flat that will enable you to re-inflate a flat tire and get back onto the road.

9. An extra pair of dry (wool) socks

10. Reflective triangles or flares to place behind your care should it become disabled to warn on-coming traffic.

11. A two day supply of any prescription medications you or your passengers require.

12. A radio with extra batteries or a wind-up radio. You won't want to run your battery down using your car radio.

13. Granola bars, beef jerky, nuts, chocolate candy or other food that can be stored for a long time without refrigeration.

14. A map of the area.

15. Paper and a pencil, if you must leave your vehicle and want to advise people of the direction you are walking or other information that will help them rescue you.

16. A small metal pan or empty soup can that will enable you to melt ice or snow for drinking water.

17. An ice scraper

18. A camp shovel to help you dig out of a snow bank.

19. A bag of kitty litter to help you get traction on an icy road should you get stuck.

20. Snow boots.

21. A deck of cards or reading material that will take your mind of things. It's amazing how having something to do, especially if you have children with you, will help keep you (and them) calm while waiting for help.

One of the most important things to remember is to stay with your vehicle. A car or truck is much easier for search crews to find than a person wandering alone in the woods alone. Also, always keep your gas tank at least half full as the last thing you want to do in severe weather is run out of gas!

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