What Should You Keep in Your Emergency Survival Kit for Winter?

The extreme cold temperatures of winter add a new element of challenge when things go wrong and you need to survive. If you are in an emergency situation in winter, either stranded in your house without heat or electricity or stranded on the side of a snowy road, you need to plan to prevent winter issues such as hypothermia and frost bite. A winter emergency survival kit should have items to take care of basic human needs such as food, water and shelter with an emphasis on protection from cold weather.

  1. Supplies

    • In the event of a winter weather emergency you'll need to plan to stay protected from the elements, stay well fed and hydrated and have a way to get help and information if you are stranded. Protect yourself from the elements with an emergency change of warm clothes. Pack layers, including a warm base layer of long underwear, middle layers made of wool or synthetic materials and an outer layer that is waterproof and windproof. Don't forget gloves, socks and hats. Pack a source of heat to stay warm and to melt snow for water. The North Dakota Department of Transportation recommends "a source of heat, such as a multiple wick candle can heater." It also recommends that you carry matches as a source of fire instead of a disposable lighter that may not function in extreme colds.

      You'll also need a metal container to use for melting snow. If you carry a cell phone, then make sure to have a charger and extra batteries. Pack road flares and brightly colored signs or bandanas to mark your location and help searchers find you if you are stranded.

      The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that you have a week's worth of emergency supplies and food in your emergency survival kit for winter. Pack your emergency survival kit for winter with a supply of drinking water and foods that don't require cooking such as dried fruits, crackers and canned goods. Make sure to pack a nonelectric can opener if you pack canned goods.

      Pack a flashlight and extra batteries. If you take prescription medications, then make sure to pack a supply in your winter emergency kit. Also consider the needs of any others who may be traveling with you, including infants who may need baby formula.

      Pack a basic first aid kit to deal with minor injuries.

    Storage

    • Assemble all of your winter emergency survival kit supplies into a single container for storage. The container should protect your survival kit from the elements. A plastic storage container with a snug lid or a backpack stored in a dry area will work. Place the container in an area where it is easily accessible when you need it. It is a good idea to make an emergency kit for your home and a separate emergency kit for each vehicle. Remember, your emergency survival kit will help you only if you have it close by when you need it.