Winter Safety Tips | Prepare your vehicle

Winter is here! Here in the Midwest, we’re dealing with some extreme wind chill advisories, and a decent amount of snow on the roads. However, even if you aren’t shoveling out your car or dealing with below zero temperatures, reviewing winter driving tips and performing maintenance on your car can be a crucial safety protocol. I like these easy-to-understand tips from the National Safety Council :? https://www.nsc.org/community-safety/safety-topics/seasonal-safety/winter-safety/driving

A key item to notice there is to always be aware of the area around your exhaust pipe being clear. If your car was parked outside during a snowstorm, you may have to spend some time clearing around the exhaust. Starting your car with a blocked exhaust pipe can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.

One important safety item I always keep in my vehicles is what I call my “winter go bag”. The go bag is a preventative measure in case I were to get stuck and/or stranded. Contents are in three categories: warmth, food, and tools.

Warmth: I keep snow pants, a soft shell jacket, and a blanket in my bag, along with a couple of lighter blankets that permanently reside in my vehicle. These blankets can be used any time of year to cover items I leave in the car or if my kids want one for a nap. The go bag also has a lighter and a couple of candles. These can be used for warmth, along with my Camp Chef, which I bring to make coffee and can also serve as a heat source. I always bring my water in and out of the vehicle to prevent it from freezing and bursting overnight.

Food: Consider keeping some granola or nutritional bars in your go bag, or other compact non-perishable food items. This could be especially critical if you are driving in winter weather in a rural or isolated area where help might not be available immediately.

Tools: Lights, flares, and a shovel are there to help me dig out in case I get stuck. I also have a tow strap, tire pump, shovel, and sandbags (you can also use cat litter as an alternative). I prefer sandbags because they not only help with traction but also add extra weight to my smaller SUV.

Being prepared with your own winter go bag can help ensure a safer winter driving experience, even on icy roads. Stay safe out there, and if there are other items that you like to make sure are in your vehicle during the winter months, share in the comments below.

#WinterSafety #ezsafety Ezra Schlecht, CSHO, SSH, CRIS