Blog

What to Include in Your Emergency Vehicle Winter Kit!

The holiday season is coming and with that, the holiday road trips to see family or to just get away for a few days are commencing. Before setting out make sure that your vehicle is equipped with the following list in case you run into some unexpected weather or road closures.

1. Snow Scraper / Snow Brush

We would like to think that this one is a no brainer but just in case you needed a gentle reminder. We believe that every Calgarian should always have a snowbrush in their vehicle during the winter months. Snow can come unexpectedly out of nowhere in this city – don’t get stuck without one!

2. Windshield Washer Fluid

Just as fast as that snow falls it can also start melting, and with the melt comes super messy roads. When that low washer fluid light comes on don’t let yourself spin into a panic of finding the closest gas station or worse, surrendering to low visibility from all the muck being sprayed on your vehicle; instead reach for that spare fluid and you will be back on the road in no time.

3. Sand or Salt

Help yourself or someone else gets unstuck by having some sand or salt on hand. Salt and sand can help create traction when you’re stuck and your wheels won’t stop spinning. Additionally, it can be sprinkled on sidewalks or in extra slippery parking lots that are dangerous to passers-by.

4. Booster Cables

We honestly encourage all drivers, regardless of how new your vehicle or battery is to carry a set of booster cables in their vehicle. If your battery happens to die on a cold winter morning or night, all you will need is a hand from a helpful neighbour to boost your vehicle back to life.

5. Extra Clothing and Footwear

As Calgarians, it is always a safe bet to keep an extra coat or sweater, hat, mittens, and pair of boots in your vehicle. In the case of an emergency where you have to pull off to the side of the road and exit your vehicle, it is always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to staying warm.

6. Heat-Packs

These small packs of instant heat are magical on cold winter days. Whether you are simply waiting for a vehicle to warm up or waiting for a boost or a tow, just shake up a couple of heat backs and pop them in your mittens and boots to keep you warm.

7. A Back-Up Charger

We suggest always keeping two chargers on hand in your vehicle, in the unlikely case that your phone dies and the first charger doesn’t work- your second charger can save the day. Keep your back up charger stored somewhere safe, dry, and as warm as possible to ensure it can do the job right.

8. Road flare, pylons or warning lights.

Once again, in the event of being stranded on the side of the road, it is important to make yourself visible to other drivers. Road flares, pylons or warning lights can help prevent a collision and keep you and your passengers safe.

9. Non-Perishable Food and Water

Delays, both long and short are an unfortunate reality in Calgary and surrounding areas winter driving conditions. In the case of a long delay or road closure, it is always safe to have a couple of non-perishable snacks and some water on hand to keep you alert and nourished for unexpected delays.

10. A Full Tank of Gas

Please do not let your tank of gas get under a quarter tank in winter driving conditions. Delays and detours can come unexpectedly and having enough gas to get you and your passengers safely to your destination is crucial in colder conditions.