There are a lot of us who will be traveling this Holiday Season. And it’s no surprise! After what seemed like an endless lockdown, now that we are (cautiously) allowed to go see family for the holidays, we are not passing up on the opportunity.
But visiting family sometimes means long car rides. And if you are here in Canada, chances are, you are going to be driving through snow. It’s always important to be prepared and pack the car with more than just gifts, food and drinks before you head out on the road.
Here is a list of winter safety and emergency supplies to keep in the car:
- Food that wont spoil, such as energy bars
- Water. Plastic bottles that won’t break if the water freezes (don’t forget to replace them every 6 months)
- Blanket
- Extra clothing including socks and shoes
- First Aid Kit with seat belt cutter
- Small Shovel, scraper and snow brush
- Candle in a deep can and waterproof matches
- Wind-up flashlight with cell phone charger
- Whistle
For more information, check out the Government of Canada – Get Prepared website: Click Here
What if I get stuck?
If travels take you off the beaten path or even on a long commute, there’s no substitute for preparation. However, if you are lost or stranded, stay in place and call 911.
You may have noticed recent social media post advising that people who are lost or stranded should change their voicemail to alert callers of the predicament they are in. Sounds like a good idea, but think about it… If there’s cell service, use the battery power to call 911. If there is no cell service, you wont be able to change your voicemail. If phone battery power is critically low, send a text message to close contacts – text takes less battery power than a phone call. More important, if you plan to be away for an extended period, always let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to return.
