Keep a Winter Emergency Kit in Your Car

The Problem

You're stranded in a snowstorm. Your regular emergency kit doesn't have cold-weather supplies.

The Hack

Winter additions to your trunk: warm blanket, hand warmers, small shovel, bag of sand or kitty litter (traction), extra warm clothing, snacks, and water.

Why It Works

Being stranded in winter is life-threatening. Engine heat only lasts as long as your gas. A warm blanket, hand warmers, and extra layers can sustain you for hours until help arrives.

Pro Tips

• Kitty litter under tires provides traction on ice
• Small collapsible shovel digs out stuck tires
• Hand warmers: $1 per pair, last 8-10 hours
• Keep a charged phone battery pack — your lifeline