Being stranded in Canadian winter conditions can quickly become life-threatening without proper emergency supplies. This section covers essential kit contents including thermal blankets, traction aids, warning triangles, first aid supplies, communication devices, emergency food and water, and signaling equipment to ensure your survival and safety during winter emergencies.
Build a comprehensive kit with thermal blankets, extra clothing, flashlight with batteries, first aid supplies, food and water, ice scraper, shovel, jumper cables, warning triangles, phone charger, matches, and emergency flares. Store in waterproof container and check seasonally for complete preparation.
Pack space blankets or emergency bivvies that reflect body heat, include extra winter clothing for each passenger, add hand and foot warmers, store items waterproof, and remember staying warm is critical to survival if stranded in extreme cold.
Carry compact folding shovel for digging out, pack sand or kitty litter for traction under drive wheels, include de-icing salt, consider traction boards for serious winter travel, and learn proper self-recovery techniques to avoid exhaustion.
Place reflective triangles behind vehicle to alert traffic, use high-visibility vests when outside vehicle on roadways, ensure triangles meet Canadian standards, position before sunset or in reduced visibility, and remain inside vehicle when safe.
Include bandages, gauze, medical tape, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and personal medications. Add scissors, tweezers, thermometer, emergency blanket, basic first aid instructions, emergency contacts, and check expiration dates regularly to maintain effectiveness.
Keep car phone charger or power bank charged at all times, consider hand-crank emergency radio with charging capability, program emergency numbers, inform someone of travel plans, and stay with your vehicle if stranded for shelter and visibility to rescuers.
Pack high-calorie non-perishable food like energy bars and trail mix that won't freeze, store water in metal containers or freeze-resistant bottles, rotate supplies regularly, include can opener, and remember eating helps generate body heat in cold conditions.
Carry road flares or LED emergency beacons for nighttime visibility, understand proper flare placement away from fuel, use whistle for attracting attention, attach brightly colored cloth for aerial visibility, and activate hazard lights mindful of battery drain.