Making a Winter Driving Survival Kit

Use an empty three-pound coffee can or any similar container with a plastic cover to store the following items:
  • Cell phone adapter to plug into lighter
  • Large plastic garbage bag
  • Pencil and paper
  • Plastic flashlight and spare batteries
  • Red Bandanna or cloth
  • Safety pins
  • Small candles and matches
  • Small, sharp knife and plastic spoons
  • Snacks
  • Whistle
Tips:  Reverse batteries in the flashlight to avoid accidental switching and burnout. Warm batteries before using them. Store safety items in the passenger compartment when severe winter weather threatens in case the trunk is jammed or frozen shut. Choose small packages of food that you can eat hot or cold.

Suggested Food Items to Include


  • Canned soup, meat and poultry
  • Chewing gum
  • Food bars
  • Miniature candy bars
  • Raisins in small packets
  • Semi-sweet chocolate in pieces for sharing
  • Wrapped hard candies
Store Bulky and Heavy Items in an Accessible Place
  • 30-foot cord to use as homing line when you must exit the vehicle
  • Basic tools
  • Booster Cables
  • Road flares and reflectors
  • Sand, cat litter or other grit in a plastic milk carton
  • Shovel
  • Sleeping bag or blankets
  • Snowmobile suite and heavy boots
  • Tow cables or chain