Winterize your vehicle: The emergency kit checklist every driver needs

Winter weather changes fast. Clear roads turn icy in minutes. A routine drive home becomes a hours-long wait when your car won't start or traffic grinds to a halt. The difference between a minor inconvenience and a dangerous situation often comes down to what's in your trunk.

Our emergency teams see it every winter – people stranded without basic supplies, stuck in conditions that could have been manageable with a little preparation. A small investment of time now can keep you warm, safe, and in control when weather turns bad.

Your essential winter car emergency kit checklist

Use this simple checklist to stock your car with the basics you’ll want if you’re stuck, waiting for help, or navigating harsh weather. Keep everything together in a waterproof bin or bag so it’s easy to grab when you need it.

Warmth and clothing: Stay protected from the cold if you’re stranded

• Blankets help you stay warm if your car won’t start or you’re waiting for assistance.
• Extra mittens, boots, hats, and warm clothes offer backup layers if something gets wet or you need more warmth.

Visibility and awareness: Make sure you can see and be seen

• Flashlights improve visibility in the dark or during low-light conditions.
• Snow brushes and ice scrapers help you clear snow and ice before driving.
• Flares make you more visible to other drivers and emergency crews.

Traction and tools: Get your car moving when snow or ice slows you down

• Tire chains or winter tires add traction on snowy or icy roads.
• Shovels let you clear snow from around your tires or tailpipe.
• Bags of sand or cat litter give your tires extra grip on slick surfaces.
• Tow ropes allow another vehicle to help pull you out of deep snow.

Power and preparedness: Keep your vehicle running in cold conditions

• Jumper cables help restart a weak battery in cold temperatures.
• A full tank of gas helps prevent fuel line freeze-up and keeps the heater running if you’re stuck.

Food, water, and communication: Stay nourished and connected while you wait for help

• Water bottles help prevent dehydration while you wait for help.
• Nonperishable snacks like nuts or granola bars keep your energy up.
• A cell phone and charger keep you connected and able to call for help.

Prepare your vehicle before winter weather hits

A few quick checks can make your car safer and more reliable when temperatures drop. Keep your gas tank at least half full to prevent fuel line freeze-up and give yourself options if traffic slows or conditions get worse.

It’s also helpful to look at your tires. Good tread is essential for winter driving and switching to winter tires can give you even better traction on snow and ice. While you’re checking things, refill your windshield wiper fluid with a freeze-resistant formula and replace worn wipers.

Cold weather can strain older or weak batteries, so testing your battery early in the season can prevent an unwelcome surprise. Before every drive, clear snow and ice from your windows, mirrors, headlights, and even your roof. You need full visibility, and so does everyone else on the road.

Plan ahead. Check weather and road conditions before you leave and tell someone your route and expected arrival time during storms. If the forecast looks dangerous, delay your trip or skip it entirely.

These simple habits take only a few minutes but can make all the difference when winter weather rolls in.

Winter driving checklist: 8 tips for staying safe on slippery roads

Winter roads require slower speeds, more space, and calm responses. These habits help reduce your risk of skidding, collisions, and other winter emergencies:

1. Slow down. Lower speeds give you more time to react.
2. Increase following distance. Extra space helps you stop safely on slick roads.
3. Accelerate and brake gently. Smooth movements help prevent skidding.
4. Use low beams in snow or fog. They improve visibility without glare.
5. Watch bridges and overpasses. They freeze first and can be especially slippery.
6. Avoid cruise control. It can cause loss of control on icy surfaces.
7. Steer where you want to go. This helps you regain control during a skid.
8. Wear your seat belt. It’s your best protection in any driving condition.

Simple ways to stay safe during winter activities

Winter safety extends beyond the road. These reminders can help you avoid some of the most common cold-weather injuries:

Shoveling safely

Take breaks, pace yourself, and use your legs (not your back) to lift. Using ergonomic tools and warming up beforehand can help prevent muscle strain.

Preventing slips and falls

Wear shoes with good traction, use handrails, take smaller steps, and watch for black ice on sidewalks and stairs.

Helmet safety for winter sports

Wear a properly fitted snow sport helmet when skiing, snowboarding, or sledding. They offer better protection than bike helmets.

Sledding safely

Pick hills with a flat stopping area, avoid obstacles, sled feet-first, and supervise younger kids closely.

These small choices help keep winter fun and safer.

The Safe Winter Pledge can help you stay motivated

If you want a little extra encouragement to keep winter safety top of mind, the Safe Winter Pledge is a simple way to commit to healthy, protective habits all season long.

By taking the pledge, you’ll be entered into a random drawing for a winter safety prize package. Each includes:

• Roadside emergency kit
• Emergency thermal blanket
• Rechargeable hand warmers
• Collapsible snow shovel
• High-quality ice scraper
• First-aid kit

The pledge is an easy way to remind yourself to drive carefully, prepare early, and build habits that support your health and safety all winter long.

Contest ends February 28, 2026.

Make winter preparation part of your routine

Don't wait for an emergency to get prepared. Stock your car kit now, brush up on winter driving skills, and take a few simple precautions before the next storm hits. A little prep work today means you'll be ready to handle whatever winter throws your way – keeping yourself, your family, and your community safe all season long.