Car supplies

Owing to my many years of dealing with emergency situations, I have a hyperdeveloped sense of preparedness.

If you think I'm kidding, ask Peggy what it's like to watch me pack for a three-day vacation! We almost have to rent a U-Haul trailer to drag along with all my medical, technological, and haberdashery standbys, as if there are no Ace bandages, charger cords, and plaid boxer shorts available for sale where we might be.

In the hopes that you can learn to be half as maniacal as I where supplies are concerned, I'd like to share this list of items that no lesser a group of experts than the National Safety Council recommends having in your vehicle at all times. And they don't care if you're "just running down to the QuikSak for some Marlboro Lights and an extension cord."  Besides making sure you have at least a half of tank of gas in wintertime, and tasty fresh anti-freeze, make sure you have:

• Blankets, mittens, socks and hats
• Ice scraper and snow brush
• Flashlight, plus extra batteries (or a hand-crank flashlight)
• Jumper cables
• First-aid kit (band-aids, adhesive tape, antiseptic wipes, gauze pads, antiseptic cream, medical wrap). See a first-aid kit checklist.
• Bottled water
• Multi-tool (such as a Leatherman Tool or a Swiss Army Knife)
• Road flares or reflective warning triangles
• Windshield cleaner
• Extra Supplies for Frigid Weather

AND THEN, in winter...

• A bag of sand to help with traction (or bag of non-clumping cat litter)
• If your car or truck is light in the rear end (!) throw a 50-lb bag of sand in the bed or trunk and watch traction get better
• Collapsible or folding snow shovel
• Blanket
• Tire chains and tow strap
• Hand warmers
• Winter boots for longer trips
• Sleeping bag for longer trips

And just for good measure:

• Small fire extinguisher (5-lb., Class B and Class C type) in case of a car fire
• Tire gauge to check inflation pressure in all four tires and the spare tire
• Jack and lug wrench to change a tire
• A spare tire
• Rags and hand cleaner (such as baby wipes)
• Duct tape
• Foam tire sealant (Fix-A-Flat) for minor tire punctures
• Rain poncho
• Nonperishable high-energy foods such as unsalted and canned nuts, granola bars, raisins and dried fruit, peanut butter, hard candy.
• Battery– or hand-crank–powered radio
• Lighter and box of matches (in a waterproof container)
• Scissors and string or cord
• Spare change and cash
• Compass (use the phone app)
• Paper maps or ADC map book

I'm not saying that you will ever need all of these things. But, God forbid you find yourself broken down 1/2 way to Kankakee, wishing you had the one you need!

Safe driving and happy winter!