Car emergency kit

·         Booster cables (4- or 6-gauge)

·         Sand/salt/kitty litter

·         Fuses (7.5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 amp)

·         Fire extinguisher (ABC type)

·         Tire pump/inflator and tire gauge

·         Emergency flares and/or triangles

·         Shovel and axe/hatchet

·         Multi pliers/multi tool/utility knife

·         Gas container (holds up to 4 litres)

·         Vehicle fluids

·         Ice scraper and brush

·         First aid kit

·         Flashlight with spare batteries

·         Candles and matches

·         Survival blankets

·         Warm clothing

·         Sturdy shoes/boots

·         Rain gear

·         Hot packs

·         Hand sanitizer

·         Emergency food/water

·         Can opener/utensils

·         Loud whistle

·         Emergency phone numbers

·         Cellular phone/charger/change

·         Road maps/compass

·         Emergency/help sign

·         Have a cellular phone with you, if possible.

·         Keep your gas tank at least half full, particularly during the winter.

·         Follow the routes specified by officials. Do not take short cuts. They could lead you to a blocked or dangerous area.

·         If your car gets stuck in a winter storm, remain calm and stay in your car. Keep fresh air in your car by opening the window slightly on the sheltered side, away from the wind. You can run the car engine about 10 minutes every half-hour if the exhaust system is working well. Beware of exhaust fumes and check the exhaust pipe periodically to make sure it is not blocked with snow. (Note that dangerous carbon monoxide fumes have no smell.)

·         Watch out for power lines that are down. Drive carefully and watch for debris, damaged bridges/roads and dangling wires.