If you've already bought winter survival kits for your family this year, good for you they make a thoughtful gift and many contain items that truly may save their skin in case of being stranded in the teeth of a winter blizzard. These kits are portable and tuck away easily.

If you're stuck you may be in need of less space-saving gear

bright orange traffic cones standing in a row on dark asphalt
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If you can find orange cones or those reflective orange triangles anything to let other motorists know you are there. Maybe a battery-operated flashing light to draw attention to your location. Often the greatest danger is others on the road.  A roll of reflective tape would also be handy. Tape it to your coat if you're out shoveling snow.

This leads us to...bring a real shovel.

nicoletaionescu
nicoletaionescu
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I know you're limited on room, but if you're making a trip in dangerous conditions find the space for a real shovel. Toss one in the backseat to be safe.

Weston Loving
Weston Loving
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Get a big bag of kitty litter and toss it in the trunk or a bag of that absorbent stuff your dad cleans his garage floor with. That could get you the traction you need to get out of a stuck situation. If that doesn't work a tow strap could be just the thing you need for when a good samaritan pulls over to give you a hand.

I'm going to assume you're clever enough to have a proper spare tire

Spare tire (wheel)
Hancu Adrian
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Also, have your jumper cables IN YOUR VEHICLE! They're useless in your garage.

jump-start on white background.
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Frankly, the most important part of any winter travel survival plan is your cellphone.

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Maybe the most important is charging backup

Charging of mobile smartphone
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Cellphone service has become all-encompassing and being able to contact emergency assistance is the key to getting out of most jams. But waiting for assistance can still be a life-threatening ordeal.

So overpack your vehicle with really warm layers of clothing.

Wintery picture of a very cold man with a XMAS vibe
Pepgooner
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Cellphone car chargers, backup chargers, and plenty of winter-ready clothing are absolute priorities. Speaking of priority, check road conditions and decide if it's really that important to be out battling the elements.

If you do have to make a trip make sure others know the route you are taking and when to expect your arrival. I'm old enough to have been in situations where a cell phone call would have solved some very difficult jams. Like that time me and a buddy had a Firebird that actually started on fire stuck in the snow out in the country in the middle of a subzero night. No cellphone, no proper shovel, and no common sense.  Seriously a Firebird?

Make sure your phone will be charged up and ready to call for assistance.


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