Build Your Winter Emergency Kit

As temperatures drop and the weather changes, preparing winter emergency kits that can be kept in both your home and personal vehicle is one of the most effective ways to stay safe during winter emergencies. Whether you are stranded on the side of the road during a winter storm or the power goes out at your home on a cold winter night, these emergency kits can help you stay safe until help can arrive. 

Taking the time to preemptively prepare a winter emergency kit can not only help protect you but also your family and EMS personnel by significantly reducing risk in an emergency situation.

What To Keep In Your Car During Winter

Knowing what to include in your vehicle’s emergency kit can be tricky, since there are several things you may think to include that aren’t essential. Everything that should be included in your emergency kit should serve a purpose or function as a tool that will help keep you safe until emergency personnel arrive. 

A few items to consider including in your vehicle’s winter emergency kit include:

• Flashlight

• Blankets or warm clothing you can layer on top of yours

• Salt, sand or litter for traction

• Jumper cables

• Phone chargers

• A multipurpose tool

• Disposable hand or feet warmers

• First aid kit

• Non-perishable food and drinking water

• Snow shovel

Depending on your location’s weather conditions and usual trends, there may be a few additional items you may want to add to your pack. For additional information on what to include in your vehicle’s winter emergency kit, please don’t hesitate to reach out to North Jefferson County EMS for more information.

Explore Winter Weather Tips

What To Include In Your Home Emergency Kit

In the event the power goes out at your home during a winter storm, or there is considerable snowfall and ice precipitation that prevents you from leaving your home, it’s important to be prepared. Your home winter emergency kit will include similar essentials to the vehicle emergency kit with a few adaptable additions, including:

• Copies of essential documents—identification, insurance information, deeds, etc.

• Cash

• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio that can connect to NOAA

• Portable power cells

• Fire extinguisher

• Sanitation essentials

• 3-day supply of water

• Additional blankets, sleeping bags and warm clothing that can be put on over your current outfit 

  
  

Stay Prepared for Winter Emergencies At Home And On The Go

While winter weather can often be unpredictable, having emergency kits and plans in place puts control back in your hands. By taking advantage of this information and putting together your own emergency kits for both your personal vehicle and home, you are better prepared for any unexpected emergencies like a power outage, getting stuck on the side of the road and more! 

Don’t let winter catch you off guard by adding making and checking your winter emergency kit as a regular part of your winter safety routine. Learn more about how you can best prepare for severe winter weather both at home and on the road by contacting North Jefferson County EMS.