VIDEO: Packing a Winter Emergency Kit

The days are shorter, temperatures are dropping, shopping malls are already playing Christmas music, and it’s once again time to remind fleet drivers to make sure they have a fully stocked winter emergency kit in their vehicle.

Fall and winter storms in many regions can result in unexpected road closures, potentially stranding motorists for hours in frigid temperatures. What’s more, slippery road conditions increase the likelihood of a vehicle-disabling crash.

AAA, the Red Cross, the Colorado Department of Transportation, and the Colorado State Patrol collaborated to assemble a list of what drivers might include in such a kit:

• Flares or reflectors to signal for help and warn other motorists

• Sturdy scraper, snow brush, and snow shovel to clear snow

• Battery or crank-powered radio to listen to emergency broadcasts

• Flashlight with extra batteries or crank-powered flashlight

• Survival blanket or sleeping bag

• Chemical hand warmers

• Extra set of clothes, including coat, hat, mittens, boots, etc.

• Gallon jug of water and nonperishable food

• First-aid kit and essential medications

• Tire chains and tow strap

• Non-clumping kitty litter or sand for traction

• Jumper cables

• Extra cloth or paper towels for cleanup if necessary

• Deck of cards or board game for entertainment.

 For more advice, you can click on the photo or link below the headline to watch a video.