As I have mentioned this week, winter preparations are in full swing at my house. Last week I talked about getting our yards and homes ready. We talked about food storage and emergency supplies. This week I have been talking about making a car winter checklist. Who knew there would be so much to say about what you need to keep in your car in the winter!? We talked about common, already in the car items and some items we need to add specifically for winter. Today we are ending this series with the items on the car winter checklist part three.

I said it already this week but I am going to say it again – it really is that important. In the bad weather you should travel only when absolutely necessary. It is better to minimize travel, but if you must travel, please keep your car equipped with items you need in an emergency. Winter weather can provide a variety of unexpected emergency situations. Today we are going to talk about the last of the items on my car winter checklist part three.

Water
Water almost seems like something you don’t need to keep in the car. If it is winter, there is bound to be plenty of snow to melt right? No, add water to you vehicle car winter checklist part three, you need it. Water can be essential to surviving being stranded in your vehicle.

Snack food
Snack food is another car winter checklist part three item that you want to add. Add quick and easy snacks that are full of nutrients and can help you stay full and nourished if you are stranded in your car. Skip the potato chips and go for nuts or protein bars.

Extra hats, coats, and mittens
If you become stranded, you’ll want these items too. Extra hats, coats and mittens are essential to staying warm if you become stranded in your car. Sometimes we are quick to take short trips without this essential winter gear, we are going from a war car into a warm destination. We won’t need a coat or hat right? Wrong. Severe weather has trapped people in their vehicles close to home. If your car becomes stuck and you must walk even a short distance, not having these items will be a big deal. Add these items to your car winter checklist part three.

Blankets
Having blankets in the car is a lot like having the extra coats, hats and gloves. If you become stuck, you will need to be able to stay warm. Running the car engine to stay warm is dangerous. You’ll need to stay warm with the car turned off. Mylar thermal emergency blankets are a great idea for adding to your car’s emergency supplies. Make sure this item is on your car winter checklist part three.

Road maps
This is a good idea if you are traveling far from home or in unfamiliar areas. Severe weather could close a commonly used road. If you need to switch routes, a map will be an excellent resource. You will get an idea of road quality and terrain from a map, in the winter this is critical information than you will not get from a road sign.

Waterproof matches and a can
If your travel takes you through an area where you could become stranded and need to build a fire, add these materials too. You should have packed water in your car but this can help provide additional water if needed.

Items for baby or pets
Don’t forget the baby or the pets! If you will be traveling with a baby or a pet, remember the specialty items that they need. Diapers, formula, pet food, leash, all will be needed if you become stranded in your car. Add the baby or pet items to your car winter checklist part three.

Whew! That’s a lot to think about for your car and winter weather! Have you prepared your Add these items to your car winter checklist part three? (Or parts one or two?) Have more tips and ideas? We’d love to hear from you!