Have You Packed Your Winter Safety Kit?

Though the weather is milder now, last week's snowfall and frigid temperatures served as an important reminder. You can never be sure when winter will hit with full force, so it's critical that you and your family always be prepared. Last week we talked about some preventative maintenance tips for keeping your car running in the cold weather, but what can you do if you become stranded?

Keeping our customers safe on the roads is a top priority of all of us at Hulett Chevrolet-Buick-GMC, so we're dedicating this week's blog to vehicle safety kits. Is yours packed yet?

Winter Vehicle Safety Kit

Getting stuck on the side of the road in the summer is frustrating, but fortunately it is not life-threatening. In the frigid temperatures of winter, however, getting stuck on the side of the road can be incredibly dangerous. During the winter months, every driver should keep a winter emergency kit in their vehicle to help protect themselves and their passengers in the event that they become stranded.

At a bare minimum, your safety kit should include:

Blankets
Freezing temperatures are the reason why breaking down in the winter is so much more dangerous than in the summer. If your vehicle breaks down and can no longer provide heat, you have to have a way to keep yourselves warm until help arrives. Choose a few blankets to keep in your car around the clock during the winter months. 

Cell Phone Charger
Your cell phone will be the quickest way to contact help. Whether you call a friend, relative, or a third-party service like AAA, you need to be able to let someone know that you are in need of help. Keep a cell phone charger on hand so you can reach out for the assistance you need.

Snacks
Depending on where you are stranded and how bad the road conditions are, it could take several hours to help to arrive. Since it's impossible to predict what time of day you might become stranded, it's a good idea to keep a few non-perishable snacks on hand. Energy bars, mixed nuts, and other sources of protein are especially great things to keep in your vehicle.

Water
Maintaining proper hydration is essential. You'll want to be sure you and your passengers have access to water while you wait for help to come. If you park in a garage, you should be able to keep bottled water in your car without it freezing. If you park your car outside, however, you may need to bring new bottled water with you every time you travel.

Ice Scraper
If you carry nothing else with you during the winter months, carry this. You will probably get a great deal of use out of your ice scraper even if you never become stranded; any time your car gets covered in snow or ice, you have to be able to dig it out and clear the windows enough that you will be able to travel safely on the roads.

These key components should help you and your passengers stay safe in the even that your car breaks down or you run off the road. However, there are other items you can/should also include. You can never be too cautious!

If you want to expand, your safety kit could also include:

• First aid kit
• Jumper cables
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Sand, road salt, or cat litter (to create traction)
• Collapsible fuel container
• Extra hats, gloves, scarves, jackets, and snow boots
• Pocket knife or multi-tool
• Reflectors or emergency flares
• Any required medications
• Battery-powered radio

Stay Safe On The Roads!

If you are looking for a new vehicle at the Lake of the Ozarks (perhaps one that handles better in the snow), stop by our car dealership at the Lake of the Ozarks to find the one that is right for you. If you are simply looking to buy new tires in Camdenton MO (something with better tread to improve your traction), our vehicle service department in Camdenton MO can set you up! We look forward to assisting you in any way we can.


Hulett Chevrolet Buick GMC
That's The Way We Do It At Hulett!

513 N. Business Route 5
Camdenton, MO  65020
www.ShopHulett.com
Sales: 573.317.4191
Service:  573.317.4195

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