How to Make a Simple DIY Winter Emergency Car Kit

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Sanford and Son Junk Cars. All opinions are my own.

Preparing for unpredictable winter road conditions is easy with a simple DIY winter emergency car kit. Winter weather can turn bad on a dime and it’s important to have an emergency kit in case you get stranded—no matter where you live. Check out my top tips—number 9 is my favorite.

Nowadays, no one is exempt from extreme weather patterns…even if you live in the South. Just this week, even Florida received some snow!

And who can forget the time, back in January 2014, when the entire metro Atlanta area turned into something out of the movie Frozen-with thousands of people stuck on roads with no where to go!  Many people abandoned their vehicles and even more were forced to sleep in their cars overnight! Some children even ended up sleeping in their school buses!

It’s important to remember that winter weather can turn bad very quickly.

So, what can you do if you find yourself in a situation where you’re stuck on the road?

Well, of course stay calm and conserve fuel / supplies but most importantly be prepared ahead of time by creating your own DIY Emergency Winter Car Kit.

DIY Winter Emergency Car Kit

Disclosure: This post may contain Amazon affiliate links, thanks for your support!

1) Blankets

During the winter months, I always keep 2 individual fleece blankets in the back seat. My girls love to snuggle them and it keeps them warm while they wait for the heat to reach the desired temperature. But I also keep a larger blanket in my Winter Car Kit. This assures me that I have a blanket for myself and husband to share that’s not covered in cheerios.

2) Water Bottles

Water is an important item to keep your car no matter what the season. Hydration is key for everyday health but especially if you’re in survival mode.  Don’t be caught without water on hand!

3) Hand warmers and feet warmers

Hand warmers and feet warmers are great to keep warm. You can find them at any sporting goods store or online of course. Slip the hand warmers into your gloves or pockets and the feet warmers into your shoes and VOILA-you’ve got a mini instant heater!

4) Non-Perishable Snacks

It’s always good to keep non-perishable snacks in your car (granola bars, energy bars, low-salt trail mix, beef jerky). Remember, you want healthier choices that are higher in protein for more sustainable energy as well as those with less sugar and salt which will make you thirsty.

5) Cell phone battery pack

In the event that you’re stranded for hours, you’ll want to use a cell phone battery pack. Then you can charge your phone and not worry about keeping the car engine on.

6) Flares

Again, this is something all car emergency kits should have but especially if you’re stranded in bad weather.

7) Flashlight

In case you’re stranded overnight or in the early evening hours when the sun has already set, you’ll need a flashlight so you can see in the car.

8) Magazine, deck of cards, travel game, coloring book/crayons

Be sure to pack some things to entertain everyone in the car while you’re stranded. Magazines, cards, coloring book/crayons don’t take up much room and can entertain multiple people for hours. Additionally, the coloring books will help keep everyone relaxed and calm.

9) Travel Potty

Years ago, when my daughters were potty training, I bought the Potette travel potty and we still use it when we’re on road trips! (Update September 2020–we still use the awesome Potette, especially now during Coronavirus.  Check out my post about Tips for Stress-free Travel during Covid-19)

It’s kind of like a camping toilet—it’s a fold-up seat, and you stick a plastic bag underneath. It’s fantastic when you’re in the middle of nowhere and someone decides they “need to go right now!” Or….if you’re on the road the rest stop toilets are less than desirable.
But adults can use it too, so if you’re in an emergency situation you have a way to relieve yourself within your vehicle. (It works best if your car has a large back like a station wagon, mini van, or SUV).

10) Optional—a small foldable shovel

This applies for states that definitely get snow….If you’re stranded in a blizzard, then you’ll want to make sure your exhaust pipe stays clear and is not covered in snow. Or else you’ll breathe in carbon monoxide when you turn on the car. So keep a small foldable snow shovel in the back to help keep your exhaust clear.

To Review….

What to include in your winter emergency car kit

• Blankets
• Water Bottles
• Hand warmers, feet warmers
• Non-Perishable Snacks
• Cell Phone Battery Pack
• Flares
• Flashlight
• Magazine, deck of cards, travel game, coloring book/crayons
• Potette travel potty
• Optional: small, foldable shovel

Looking for more On-the-Road tips?

Check out these travel-related posts:

How to Travel Safely and Stress-Free During Covid-19. 

Stop Sibling Bickering -Even in the Car – with this Simple Trick!

My favorite MESS-FREE activities for Road Trips

Must-Have Items for a Stress-Free Day Trip

Stay safe this winter!

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Don’t forget…

And if you’re worried your car may not be able to handle winter weather, live in the Atlanta area, and are ready to sell it, then be sure to visit Sanford and Son Junk Cars. They are the premier buyer of junk cars in the metro Atlanta area. Their competitors are networks with random towers whom they haven’t met. They in turn give out personal information for a fee. Everyone from the phone representative to the tower is a trusted individual, licensed, insured and most importantly an employee of Sanford and Son Junk Cars. They have been buying cars in the metro Atlanta area for decades and understand the importance of trust, comfort and safety in this process. The company also understands the importance of speed and efficiency. Sellers of junk vehicles sometimes need cash for very important life events or maybe just local code enforcement issues or the apartment leasing office wants that car off the property. Whatever the reason may be, Sanford and Son understand this is personal and want to make your experience as positive as possible.

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HI! I’m a Shana, self-proclaimed Media Mixologist, wife, and mom to two little girls. I love to mix up cocktails of crafts, recipes, wellness, family and business with just the right amount of sparkle to help you shine everyday. So, grab a glass, and let’s celebrate the cocktail of life!