Car Emergency Kit: Getting Ready For A Mountain Trip

Nasty weather strikes in a flash when you're at high elevations. A perfectly clear day can turn into a blizzard in minutes. Therefore, it's smart to keep an emergency flashlight in your vehicle. You could be stranded on that "main road" for hours, or a wrong turn could bring you face to face with a serious survival situation. You really never know what could happen, so play it safe; put an emergency flashlight and the other items we've listed below in your car before your next skiing or snowboarding trip.

Items to Pack in a Car Emergency Kit

1. LED flashlight, headlamp or a different type of emergency flashlight. In addition to flare cones, an LED flashlight may be used to warn oncoming drivers of your car's location.

2. Toilet paper. (Spring for the biodegradable variety - that way you won't have to pack it out.)

3. A first aid kit that includes bandages, painkillers, wet napkins, and any important prescriptions. As an example, asthma sufferers should have an extra inhaler or two in their car's emergency kit.

4. Lip balm and sunscreen.

5. Food and water. You'll need a minimum of a three-day supply for everyone in your group. Non-perishable food is best.

6. A stove and backup fuel to cook food, if required. This may seem like a lot of work, but noodles and hot tea are lifesavers on the mountain because they warm you up and keep you hydrated. Mountain climbers rely on these staples.

7. A sleeping bag or blanket. Have at least one of these for each person of your party.

8. A knife or multi-tool for cutting kindling, preparing food, and so forth.

9. A 100-hour candle. With all these emergency items in your car, the biggest obstacle you'll have to overcome is boredom. A candle will allow you to entertain yourself; it will also bring a sense of safety.

10. Waterproof clothing. A light rain poncho for each person will suffice.

11. Waterproof, sturdy boots. If you have to put on chains in a blizzard, you'll be happy you brought these along.

12. Flare cones or light sticks to catch the attention of oncoming traffic and/or rescue groups.

13. Tow mechanisms, jumper cables, and kitty litter or salt. The most likely emergency you'll face while going skiing or snowboarding is getting stuck in snow. It's not unusual for drivers to accidentally drift off the road into the shoulder. You could wait for hours for a tow-truck could come and retrieve your vehicle (for a tidy fee, of course). Or you could prepare for this possibility by bringing the automotive accessories you'll require to be self-sufficient. Use the kitty litter or salt under your tires if you find you can't get enough traction in snow or ice. To be extra ready, pack a small shovel; you can use it to dig your car out of especially deep snow.

14. Fire-making items, like newspaper for kindling and waterproof matches.

15. A snow sweep and ice scraper to clear frosty windows.

Once you've assembled all of these emergency items, put everything in a waterproof container with a tight-fitting lid, and stick it in an inconspicuous place in your car or truck. Finally, revisit your car's emergency kit at least once a year to make sure that nothing has expired.

By: Tom F. Huntington

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