Once you've taken the Steps to Winterize your Car, it is unlikely that you'll experience a breakdown due to mechanical failure, but you never know what else might leave you stuck in your car. Millions of motorists are stranded each year because of bad weather, accidents, flat tires, getting stuck in the mud or snow, losing their keys and other unfortunate situations.

With a few basic items, though, you can not only survive, but be safe and comfortable while you wait to be rescued.

Basic Emergency Items

  • Cell phone
  • Triple A (AAA) or other roadside assistance subscription & card
  • Snowbrush and Ice Scraper
  • Handybar 3-in-1 Car Aid - includes seatbelt cutter and side window breaker
  • Bag of Sand or kitty litter to help with traction on snow and ice
  • Shovel for scraping snow away from the tires
  • Windshield Washer Fluid
  • Emergency Blankets
  • Winter clothes including a complete change of clothes, a scarf, hat, extra gloves and boots
  • Emergency First Aid Auto Kit
  • Duct Tape to fix a broken windshield, hold things together, pick up glass shards, mend hoses, serve as a gas cap, and a million other things
  • Emergency Sign or brightly colored cloth to signal for help
  • Multi-Purpose Tool Set
  • Booster Cables
  • Extra Fuses
  • Battery-Free Emergency Flashlight
  • Battery-Free AM/FM Radio & Flashlight/Nighlight
  • Bottled water to drink (or to use in cars that overheat or need battery water)
  • Protein bars and Energy bars
  • Baby diapers and Baby Formula if you have a small child
  • And last but not least, a good book :)

Don't go out in bad weather unless absolutely necessary and please know the weather report before you go out! A Winter Storm Watch means that winter storms are in your area. A Winter Storm Warnings means that storms are heading your way. A Blizzard Warning means all hell is about to break loose... er, i mean, strong winds and dangerous wind chills are expected.

Get your Emergency Car Kit together now. Be safe!

Here's What to Do if You're Stranded in your Car.