Be Prepared: Make a Cold Weather Emergency Kit for Your Car and House

The Car Emergency Kit

• A warm blanket. Fleece throws are easy to find this year, and are generally inexpensive. Depending on the size of your family, as to how many, but generally one or two should be enough.
• Jumper cables.
• Nonperishable food or snacks. Crackers, raisins, energy or granola bars, are all great suggestions.
• Water. This can be a little tricky, since cold temperatures can freeze the water. Wrap the water in a towel or blanket for a little extra insulation.
• Flashlight and extra batteries. A few cheap glow sticks can also be a lifesaver, especially i the dark.
• First aid kit. This should include band-aids, first aid cream, pain relievers, and if possible a dose or two of any necessary medicines you or your child needs.
• Cat litter, sand, or road salt.
• Emergency flares and reflectors.
• Extra hats, gloves, and mittens.
• Window scraper.
• A small shovel.
• Small toys or activities for your child. Though this is not a necessity, it can help pass time and relax you and your child. A coloring book and crayons, books, or small toys are a few suggestions.

Helpful hints:

• Keep the kit in an easily accessible area. Remember you may not be able to get to your trunk.
• Since emergencies are never planned, always make sure your car has at least a half a tank of gas, and that your cell phone is charged, before heading out.
• Always make sure at least one other adult knows where you are going and estimated time it should take until you return.
• Always bring your and your child’s jacket, even if you take it off while  you’re  in the car.

The House Emergency Kit

• A warm blankets and sleeping bags. If your power goes out, you may end up having a family campout in the living room.
• Flashlight and extra batteries.
• Candles and matches. Candles last longer than flashlights and are a great way to add light to your house.
• First aid kit.
• Water. Keep a few gallons of water on hand, in case the pipes freeze.
• Nonperishable food or snacks.
• A portable, non electric heater. Ideally, every house would have a fireplace or wood stove, however that is not the case. If you don’t have one of those, investing in a propane or gas heater can be a life saver. Of course, you need to make sure you have the propane or gas as well.
• Games and activities for your child. When the power is out, it can become very scary, especially at night. Board games, coloring books, arts and crafts, and puzzles, are a few ideas that are great to have on hand.
• A battery run radio.

Helpful hints:

• Winter storms generally never hit without warning, so be prepared. Make sure your phones are charged in case of a power outage.
• When the weather man mentions snow, everyone runs out to the store to get necessities, which may lead to outages for you. Plan ahead, and get your kit together now instead of at first word of an approaching storm. Not only will you have everything you need, but you won’t have to rush out and try to beat the crowds.

Sources: Organizing.Tips.net | Weather.com | ReadyWisconsin.WI.gov Be Prepared: Make a Cold Weather Emergency Kit for Your Car and House Shandy Marso, Contributor