10 Items to Pack in a Winter Weather Survival Kit
Here are the items to keep in your Jeep in case the worst happens during a winter drive.
1. Warm Clothes and Blankets
Extra clothes is always a great item to keep in your Jeep, regardless of the season. Although, during those snowy and rainy days, extra clothes could be a lifesaver. Carry warm clothes and blankets in case you get stuck and the temperature is dropping. You will be happy you did when you're soaked and/or cold. Make sure you have enough for yourself and the whole family. Also, it won't hurt to stick them in a plastic bag, as this will help keep them dry and clean.
2. Flashlights with Extra Batteries
It is almost common sense to keep flashlights and extra batteries in your trunk. While you might think your phone could do that same thing, it is best to keep the battery charged for when you need to call help. Remember that you have many options for flashlights. A good thing to keep in mind is LED's will last longer and you don't have to worry about changing the bulbs.
3. Cell Phone Charger
Why not buy an extra phone charger for your car? It will be a handy thing to have for those emergency and non-emergency days. Even on a clear sunny day, a dying phone can cause one to sweat. Consider buying a phone charger you can attach to the cigarette lighter and a portable one. This way you are covered in case your phone dies and you are stuck in the snow. You could shop for these on Amazon or Best Buy.
4. Emergency Signals and Flares
Your number one priority if your Jeep breaks down is safety. Emergency signals is a great thing to have in any car, as it will help let drivers know you are on the side of the road and alert them that you are in trouble. Flares, warning triangles, an MPIL (Marker Panel, Individual, Lightweight), light sticks should be part of your kit.
5. Jumper Cables and Tools
This is another no-brainer and things you should already have in your car. These can get you out of trouble in any situation. You should have the tools to replace a flat tire and get your car started. It is not a bad idea to have a simple tool kit for those small repairs. A shovel is also a great thing to keep with your tools, as it is going to help you to shovel your way out of deep snow.
Another thing that should be part of your supplies list is a fuel container. If you get stuck on the side of the road with an empty gas tank, a fuel container will help with that and you won't even need to wait for a tow truck.
6. Water and Food
You don't know how long you will be stuck on the side of the road, and if it is an out of the way area, it might be longer. Keeping snacks and water in your car will help to ease the hunger while you wait for help to arrive. Keep energy bars, raisins, and mini candy bars. In a cold weather it is important to stay hydrated, so make sure to have water along with those snacks.
7. First Aid Kit
This is starting to become a list of common sense items, but here is another that you should always keep in your car. You could make your own by buying the items separately, but why go through the trouble? You could easily find kits that have everything you need for those small emergencies when your Jeep is stuck.
8. Road Salt
Road salt, sand or cat litter is going to help for traction. Throwing this under your tires will help get a better grip on icy roads. You can easily find these things on the web or pet stores. While we are on the subject of tires, it doesn't hurt to have some snow chains.
9. A Form of Entertainment
This could possibly be the greatest thing you can add to your survival kit, especially if you have children. iPads, portable DVD players, coloring books, playing cards etc. can keep you and your children entertained while you wait for help to arrive. Don't make a stressful situation even more stressful with kids in the backseat complaining about the boredom.
10. Storage Container
This isn't a must but if you still want to keep your Jeep organized, consider getting a container for your winter weather survival kit. You have many options for a storage container and you can feel secure to know that everything you need is in one handy container.
For information on maintenance and repairs for you Jeep Wrangler, visit our how-to section here in JK-Forum.com!