Fact Sheets

Winter Survival Kits for Your VehicleFacts Each year, hundreds of Minnesotans find themselves stranded on the roadside. Winter weather can kill an unprepared person who is exposed to the elements within minutes. Safe Behavior Assemble winter survival kits for all of your vehicles. Keep them in the vehicles all winter so they'll be easy to get to if you need them. The kit should include: Three-pound coffee can, candle stubs and matches, which can be used to melt snow for additional drinking water Metal cup Red bandanna and a plastic whistle to alert rescuers to your location Pencil and paper, and quarters for phone calls First aid kit, including any essential medications Plastic flashlight with spare batteries (reverse the batteries to avoid accidental switching and burnout, and replace batteries yearly) Two large plastic garbage bags, safety pins (bags are for insulation for feet, safety pins keep the bags together) Snack foods for energy, such as candy bars. Some other items that you could carry include extra gloves, mittens, boots, a snowmobile suit, a blanket and/or sleeping bag, jumper cables, a basic toolbox, a shovel, a bag of sand or other grit for traction, tow cable or chain, road flares and reflectors. Call ahead to your destination and let people know when you intend to leave, what travel route you will take, and your expected time of arrival. If you are stranded, never leave your vehicle. Your chances of survival greatly increase if you stay put. Consider carrying a cell phone for use during emergencies. Find a safe place to pull off the road when you need to make a call.