If you spend most of your winter driving in the city, you might think that you do not need to prepare a winter emergency kit for your vehicle. Why bother? You can always get help anytime, right?
Well, here are some factors to consider: During a snowstorm in Ontario in early November, more than 400 car accidents were reported in one night!
The traffic backup lasted several hours and lasted several hours. Cars on taxiing roads are dominated by overworked first responders and towing companies. Thousands of Ontario people changed their plans, which was greatly delayed by a snowfall.
No matter where you drive or how long you drive, make sure that you and your passengers will be prepared in the worst case.
Precautions for emergency kits
The Canadian government recommends that everyone equip vehicles with the necessary supplies to survive 72 hours in extreme weather-related conditions. Keep this in mind when storing food, water, and other perishable items in your toolbox.
Also, keep in mind that depending on your geographic location, or if you are a city driver traveling north to Ontario, you may need to add other items to the winter first aid kit. For example, if you are using a compass, a local emergency contact number, or even taking medication.
What is included in the emergency kit
When you put the first aid kit together, you can cross out the items in this list. Important items are bolded in capital letters for special emphasis.
- Food
- Water
- Blanket
- Extra clothes and boots
- First aid kit
- Small shovel, scraper, snow brush
- Use deep cans for candles and matches
- Winch flashlight
- Whistle Route Map
- Emergency plan and copies of personal documents
- Sand, salt or cat litter (not clumping)
- Antifreeze/windshield washer fluid
- Tow rope
- Jumper cable
- Fire extinguisher
- Warning lights or road flares
- Tire replacement kit and spare tire
What to do in an emergency
You cannot predict how long it will take to get help. Therefore, you must be wise about your behavior in emergency situations. This is how to do it:
Stay calm: keep your breath under control, especially when you are off the road, crashing into a car, or hitting wildlife.
Don't get tired: snow shoveling in extremely cold weather can be fatal, and car battery life and fuel are limited.
Carbon monoxide: Turn off the car when it is not absolutely necessary and make sure that the exhaust pipe is not blocked by snow.
Signal: If you are free, turn on the hazard lights and light the torch or warning light.
Please note: If the situation is bad, passers-by may not be able to see if you are off the road. Watch out for passers-by and get their attention safely.
Stay warm: The most important thing is to stay warm and keep your fingers and toes moving.
Emergency kits are suitable for the worst cases and you need to be prepared.
We will all be caught in bad weather this winter, so please make sure you are prepared.
We are happy to help you ensure that your vehicle is ready for cold and severe weather. keep in touch!