When you are aware that winter weather is on the way, it will be in your best interest to remain at home and avoid traveling.  However, if you are not able to avoid the bad weather, you need to have a winter weather checklist handy.  This checklist will help keep your family safe in the event of an emergency.

Emergency Checklist for Your Vehicle

When you are traveling in unfavorable conditions, such as winter weather, there are a few items that will help you be better prepared in case you get stuck.

The first 5 items that you need to have are a:

  • Cell phone
  • Portable charger
  • Extra batteries
  • Shovel
  • Windshield scraper

If your cell phone’s service is available, you can use your cell phone to place calls to get help during an emergency.  Having a portable charger and extra batteries are beneficial in the event that your mobile phone has a low battery.  Extra batteries can be used to power a flashlight or similar item.  A shovel can be used to dig your vehicle out of a ditch or remove snow, and a windshield scraper can be used to clear snow from your front and rear windshield, and windows.

Other items that are useful in the event of unfavorable weather include:

  • A battery-powered radio
  • Water
  • Food/snacks
  • Hats, coats, mittens
  • Blankets
  • Chains, ropes
  • Tire chains
  • Compressed air can w/sealant
  • Road salt and sand
  • Booster cables
  • Emergency flares
  • Bright colored flags/help signs
  • First aid kit
  • Road maps
  • Compass

Each of these items will help you, and your family remain safe in a vehicle during winter weather.  For more information regarding family safety in winter weather conditions, please contact Randy Jones Insurance in California.