Winter Survival Kit

Winter is tough on traveling vehicles. Snow, cold temperatures, ice, slush and salt wreak havoc on a vehicle and on driving. The odds of drivers having a driving emergency are much greater in the winter than in the other three seasons. It pays to keep a kit in your truck with all the things you are likely to need. 

Here is a list of 10 things to pack in your truck's winter survival kit to keep you warm and safe in times of emergency or distress:

1. Blanket
If you are stuck with a truck that won't start and have to wait in the cold for assistance, you will want a warm blanket as an extra layer.

2. Snow Shovel
Get a short-handled shovel, probably a coal-type, to stow in storage in case you need to remove snow from around the wheels of your vehicle. You can buy plastic ones, but you may want to opt for a metal one in case you also need to chip at some ice or compacted snow.

3. Flashlight
Keep a good-sized, water-proof flashlight with fresh batteries in case your breakdown is during the night time. Pack emergency candles, too, as a back-up.

4. Hand Warmers
These are available at camping stores. Smash the bag and the chemical reaction inside will create a warmth to defrost fingers that may be trying to change a tire or fiddle with a heavy or medium duty truck engine.

5. Matches
You never know when you will have to manufacture heat. Matches are a much better option than rubbing two cold, snowy sticks together and hoping for the best.

6. Bottled Water and a Few Protein Snack Bars
You hear of people surviving on ketchup packets that have fallen between the seats, but some planning will yield a better menu in emergency conditions.

7. Syphon Pump
If you run out of fuel and receive an offer for help by a good Samaritan, you want to be able to get a gallon or two of fuel out of another fuel tank to get your engine running and your truck back on the road quickly.

8. Light Sticks
Light sticks cost almost nothing at your local dollar store. These can be used as either a light source or to wear in case you are shoveling around your wheels at night to offer additional visibility.

9. Flares
Flares should be available in your truck during all seasons in case your truck is pulled over in distress.

10. Whistle
A whistle can be used to either signal for help to someone who can't hear you yell, or to scare someone away who may be trying to take advantage of your distress.