Motorists planning to travel when winter driving conditions may be hazardous should plan ahead and have a winter emergency kit in the trunk or cargo area of their vehicles.

According to the National Safety Council, vehicle emergency kits, should include the following:

¯ A properly inflated spare tire and tire-changing equipment

¯ Jumper cables

¯ A multipurpose utility tool and/or tool kit

¯ Flashlight and batteries

¯ Flares or triangle reflectors

¯ An extra quart of motor oil

¯ A first-aid kit containing at the least, gauze, tape, bandages,

antibiotic ointment, aspirin, nonlatex gloves, scissors, hydrocortisone, thermometer, tweezers, and instant cold compress

¯ A blanket

¯ A tire pressure gauge

¯ A portable tire inflator

¯ Paper towels

¯ Nonperishable, high-energy foods

¯ Drinking water

¯ A reflective vest

¯ Duct tape

¯ A fire extinguisher

¯ An ice scraper

¯ A folding shovel

¯ Coolant and washer fluid

¯ A phone charger

¯ Cat litter to provide traction in snow or on ice

¯ Baby/child supplies, if pertinent

¯ Rope

Keep roadside emergency kits organized at all times. Store items securely in a milk crate, box or backpack so they are always readily available. People should familiarize themselves with the items in the kit so they know how to use them correctly and quickly.