Here is a list of items recommend by CAA to include in your winter emergency kit:
- Flashlight (preferably crank-type, because batteries don’t last long in extreme cold)
- Reflective safety triangles or flares
- 1 SOS Window Sign
- A first-aid kit (see below for a list of items)
- Snow brush and scraper
- Traction aids
- Small shovel with long handle
- Bag of abrasive material: sand, kitty litter (avoid road salt, which can cause your vehicle to rust)
- Plenty of windshield washer fluid
- Booster cables and booster to startup a car when no other cars around
- Gas-line antifreeze
- Lock de-icer (in extreme cold, keep it with you, rather than in your vehicle!)
- Paper towels
- Small tool kit (screwdriver, pliers, etc.)
- Extra fuses (for the vehicle’s electrical system)
- Warm blanket
- Extra socks, boots and gloves
- Hand and foot warmers
- Bottles of water
- Granola bars
- Tire hole patching kit (pliers are needed for removing nails from tires)
- Pump: either hand pump or electric pump
- Winch: either hand-cranked or electric for pulling yourself out of a ditch using a tree
- Chain for pulling yourself or others out of a ditch using another car
In addition to the above Redcross recommends to include the following medkit:
- 1 Reflective Safety Vest
- 1 Large Nitrile Dipped Work Gloves
- 1 Hooded Poncho
- 1 EMT Scissors
- 1 CPR Mask with One Way Valve
- 1 Non Woven Triangular Bandage
- 4 Fabric Knuckle Bandages
- 5 Butterfly Closures
- 2 Fabric Bandages
- 20 Quick Bandages
- 4 Cloth Fingertip Bandages
- 6 Gauze Pads
- 2 Roller Gauze
- 1 Simple Wrap
- 10 Hand Cleansing Towelettes
- 1 Biohazard Waste Bag
- 1 Nickel Plated Tweezers
- 1 Small Ice Pack
- 1 Non Woven Tape
- 2 Pairs of Disposable Gloves
- 1 12 hours Glow Stick
- 1 First Aid Guide
- 1 Elastic Bandage
- 2 ABD Dressings
Please add your comments/other items, what works and what doesn't. I've used booster cables many times myself, so I recommend these for sure. Same goes for a chain - I've been pulled out from a ditch, very handy. For extra traction I've used car shoe mats that are always in the car anyway: they help you to get out from a small ditch. Snow shovel is a must too.