What to pack in your car to survive a winter storm

So what should you have in your car in case you're trapped on a Canadian highway in fridgid weather for more than a day?

Below is the list of items the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) recommends drivers pack in  case of sudden, sustained stops in winter weather. It seems like a lot, but chances are that none of the hundreds of drivers trapped on Highway 402 (some for more than 24 hours) will head out on winter roads again without most or all of these items on board.

The list was repulished in a report from Transport Canada on winter safety and driving. It also contains pointers on avoiding skidding and keeping your exhaust pipe clear (to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning) if you are running your car for heat.

For your trunk:

A shovel, sand or kitty litter (to create traction on ice), traction mats, tow chain, compass, cloth or roll of paper towels, warning light or road flares, extra clothing and footwear, emergency food pack, booster cables, matches and a “survival” candle in a deep can (to warm hands, heat a drink or use as an emergency light), fire extinguisher, extra windshield washer fluid, fuel-line antifreeze, reflective vest.

For inside the car:

Road maps, ice scraper and brush, flashlight, first-aid kit and a blanket (special “survival” blankets are best,” according to the CAA)

Comments

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The only drawback to survival blankets is that they can work too well and make you sweat (a real bad thing in the cold). Just leave space to vent out and keep some circulation instead of wrapping yourself up snug for long periods. Get your hands on a cdn military issue wool blanket - that will keep you warm even if it gets wet.

[Karen Taelman]

And an extra pair of seriously thick warm mittens!