Winter emergency kits for you car
By Elizabeth Weiler on December 12, 2023
LA CANADA FLINTRIDGE, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 24: A person helps push out a car that became stuck in the snow on a roadway in Los Angeles County, in the San Gabriel Mountains in Angeles National Forest, on February 24, 2023 near La Canada Flintridge, California. A major storm, carrying a rare blizzard warning for parts of Southern California, has begun to deliver heavy snowfall to the mountains with some snowfall expected to reach lower elevations in Los Angeles County. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
Denver, CO — Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is urging drivers to prepare Winter emergency kits for Colorado’s winter roads.
As CDOT mentions, it is never a bad idea to have an emergency kit in your car anytime of year. However, for winter especially, there are must have items you should be equipped with. Some of the items you may already have.
CDOT is deeming the following list as “must haves” for winter drives.
- Sturdy scraper/snow brush/snow shovel to clear snow
- Flashlight with extra batteries or crank-powered flashlight
- Blanket or sleeping bag
- Gallon jug of water
- First aid kit and essential medications
- Tire chains and tow strap
- Jumper cables
- Flares/reflectors to signal for help and warn other motorists
- Battery or crank-powered radio to listen to emergency broadcasts
If you’re someone who often ventures out of the city or several miles from home you may also consider some secondary items as advised by CDOT. Items include:
- Extra set of clothes, including coat, hat, mittens, boots, etc.
- Chemical hand warmers
- Non-perishable snacks like granola bars
- Non-clumping kitty litter/sand for traction
- Deck of cards or board game for entertainment
For more information on winter emergency kits, winter travel and tips for driving in the snow, visit here.
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