We may have been blessed with a mild, sunny fall but, as Canadians, we know all too well what the next few months could have in store for us. That’s why, when it comes to winter driving, it’s important to be prepared!
A great way to make sure you’re ready for anything mother nature throws your way is to keep an emergency car kit in your vehicle. Having some essential supplies on hand could make the difference between getting help quickly or being stuck for a long time. It’s easy to put one together yourself!
Here’s what you should include in a basic 72-hour emergency car kit:
- Food that won’t spoil, like energy bars
- Water in plastic bottles so they won’t break if frozen
- A warm blanket or reflective heat blanket
- Extra clothing and shoes
- A first-aid kit, with a seatbelt cutter
- A small shovel, scraper and snowbrush
- A candle in a deep can and matches
- A wind-up flashlight
- A whistle, in case you need to attract attention
- Roadmaps
- Copies of your personal documents
You should also keep these in your trunk:
- Sand, salt or cat-litter
- Antifreeze and windshield wiper fluid
- A tow rope
- Jumper cables
- A fire extinguisher
- Warning lights or road flares
Use a cardboard box or plastic container to store all your items in a convenient place in your vehicle. You’ll want to make sure you can find what you need quickly in an emergency. Take some time to familiarize yourself with all the items and how to use them properly before the threat of inclement weather arises. Lastly, always remember that your best tool is your own good judgement – be smart and plan ahead.
Don’t forget, you can take advantage of our winter tire discount to save on your auto insurance!
Source: www.getprepared.gc.ca