Winter Driving Emergency Supply Kits

Your stocking may be full this Christmas, but what about your emergency supply kit for winter driving? It, too, should be full of goodies: handy supplies and equipment to ensure you and your loved ones stay safe and warm in the event of a road-related emergency.

Some of the most common roadside emergencies include flat tires, dead batteries, running out of gas, running out of oil, and general break downs. As you can imagine, these situations can turn bad pretty in the winter, especially during extremely low temperature and snow storms. And in the winter, driving off the road and into a snow bank can be added to the list.

This winter, Florida drivers should make sure that driving emergency supply kits contains the following items:

• Windshield scraper For some, this may be more of an everyday tool than an emergency supply. Use it to scrape ice buildup off of your windshield and ensure good visibility.
• Tire chains and tow strap Learn how to put chains on your vehicle's tires or attach a tow strap before you are in an emergency situation, when it may be dark and cold.
• Blanket and winter hat If your vehicle runs out of gas or suffers a dead battery, it won't be able to provide heat. A blanket and hat can help keep you warm if you have to wait for roadside assistance in cold conditions. A down sleeping bag is also a smart idea.
• Chemical hand warmers These small packets are available at low cost in most sporting goods stores.
• Small folding shovel A shovel is required for digging your vehicle out of snow. The small, folding kind is easier to store in a vehicle than a standard snow shovel.
• Bag of cat litter Pouring cat litter on slick road surfaces can provide extra traction if your stuck on ice.
• Cellular phone Make sure you have emergency contacts, including the number of your roadside assistance provider, programmed into your phone.
• Warning light, hazard triangle, or flares These tools will make your vehicle visible if you are stuck on the road at night, and prevent dangerous collisions.
• Flashlight Winter nights can be especially dark; a flashlight can be indispensable during an emergency.
• Disposable flash camera A camera allows you to record the condition of your vehicle and other vehicles for insurance purposes; some cell phones come equipped with flash cameras.
• First Aid Kit Keep a basic first aid kit in your vehicle in case anyone sustains injuries during an accident or other emergency situation.

Remember to replenish your winter driving emergency supply kit each year, and replace any broken elements, old batteries, or expired first aid supplies. Also, call or conact Insurance Wagon for any extra coverage you may need for winter driving, and to make sure your auto insurance is up to date.