Winter Travel - Expect the Unexpected: Be Prepared with a Winter Vehicle Emergency Kit

What to have in your vehicle during a winter storm

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The DC Metropolitan area was hit hard this weekend with a major winter storm. As winter progresses, we’re likely to experience more days like this. It’s best to stay off the roads until weather conditions improve. However, if that’s not a viable option, below is a checklist of items in which to create a Winter Vehicle Emergency Kit:

• A properly inflated spare tire, wheel wrench and a jack.

• Jumper cables.

• Tool kit, rescue tool, and/or a multipurpose utility tool.

• Flashlight and extra batteries.

• Reflective triangles and brightly colored cloth to make your vehicle more visible.

• Compass.

• First aid kit with gauze, tape, bandages, antibiotic ointment, aspirin, a blanket, non-latex gloves, scissors, hydrocortisone, thermometer, tweezers, and instant cold compress

• Nonperishable, high-energy foods, such as unsalted nuts, dried fruits, and hard candy.

• Drinking water.

• Toilet Paper, paper towels, and wet ones.

• Reflective vest in case you need to walk to get help. • Car charger for your cell phone.

• Fire extinguisher (ABC).

• Duct tape.

• Raincoat/poncho.

• Full change of extra warm clothes (to include undergarments, an outer layer, and gloves).

• Gas Can.

• Cash & Coins.

• Storybooks, coloring books, crayons and games to keep the little ones occupied.

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