Another year, another winter storm. Texas (which the birthplace of RetailMeNot), is currently encased in ice, stranding motorists who had to venture out. Last year, on Jan. 4, 2022, a winter storm blanketed several states including parts of Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey. As a result, drivers on a 50-mile stretch on I-95 near Fredericksburg, VA were stranded for 27 hours. While no fatalities from the traffic backup were reported, motorists were left out in the cold to fend for themselves.
Though a 27-hour commute is not the norm with most winter storms, it’s important to arm yourself with what you need in your car in case of an emergency. And during cold weather, you may have nowhere to go to get supplies or warmth.
If you live and commute in a location that does get snow and ice, it’s good to keep these items in your trunk in case of a winter emergency:
BIRDROCK HOME Folding Emergency Snow Shovel
You may need a shovel to dig out your car before heading home if the snow comes falling fast and furious. This collapsible, multi-functional shovel won’t take up too much space, but can be useful when caught in a snowstorm. It’s made of aluminum and is lightweight, but can work on heavyweight material like snow, sand, dirt, mulch and more. If you’re stuck on the road for a long period of time, use it to make sure your car exhaust is clear.
$52.99 at Amazon.com
BIRDROCK HOME Snow Moover Small Car Brush and Ice Scraper with Foam Grip
Important for everyday-winter use, this ice scraper will remove frost and ice from your car (with some elbow grease, that is). You can use the thick bristled brush end and the tough, non-scratch plastic to do the job. Its foam grip will keep your hand in control and comfortable.
$12.38 at Amazon.com
HotHands Long Lasting Safe Natural Odorless Air Activated Hand Warmers
Simply activate these hand warmers by removing them from their outer package and shaking. They’ll heat up in 15 to 30 minutes. If it gets cool again, just bring them back out to the air and shake. They’re not reusable, so buy a pack to keep on hand if you’re caught in the cold with no relief in sight.
$27.53 for 40 pairs at Amazon.com
Don’t Die In The Woods Freakin’ Huge Emergency Blankets in Extra-Large Thermal Mylar with Ripstop Nylon Stuff Sacks + Carabiner Zipper Pack
Let’s hope it never comes to this, but if you’re ever caught in a snowstorm with nowhere to drive to for warmth, these extra large, 7-by-5-foot mylar emergency blankets can protect you from the elements. It’s waterproof and reflects up to 90% of body heat to keep the user from getting hypothermia from cold, wet or hot weather situations. Storing it in your trunk or glove compartment will be easy because it’s rather compact when rolled up into its nylon sack.
$24.95 for a 4-pack at Amazon.com
SubZero GripTrax Traction Tool
Say your car gets stuck in the snow and you’re unable to drive out of it. Place this GripTrax tool in front or behind your tires to get the traction you need to move. It’ll work in snow, mud and sand.
$23.54 (2 come in each package) at Amazon.com
Water & Snacks
Regardless of season, it’s probably always a good idea to have water and snacks in your car in case of an emergency. A couple of bottled waters and some protein bars (that don’t expire immediately) could be your best bet for sustenance until you can drive to safety. If you have a cooler or insulated bag to store them in your trunk, even better.
Prices vary at your favorite grocery store
Photo Credits: Getty Images/Chip Somodevilla on featured image, Getty Images/Luis Alvarez on above grocery shopping image
The post Essential Items to Keep in Your Car in Case of a Winter or Snow Emergency appeared first on The Real Deal by RetailMeNot.
