Experiencing the most destructive snowstorm in Buffalo, New York, and making it through its intensity felt like nothing short of a miracle; I was lucky and thankful for the safety of my family and loved ones. Unfortunately, hundreds of people in the Erie and Niagara Counties endured extensive power outages which caused many to be trapped without power and some without shelter outdoors or in their cars. Inevitably, this resulted in untimely deaths for hardworking individuals who were simply trying to survive. I was devastated by hearing about the fatal accidents caused by this tragedy—particularly that of Anndel Taylor.

At only 22 years old, As she made her way home from the hospital where she worked as a nurse, tragedy struck when she became stranded in her car. Her family members living in Charlotte, NC anxiously awaited news of her whereabouts after not hearing anything for two days. Sadly, by Sunday morning it was discovered that the young woman had passed away due to carbon monoxide poisoning – snow had blocked up her vehicle’s exhaust pipe and prevented any oxygen from getting into the cabin. This terrible storm not only claimed this lovely life but also many others: mothers, fathers, spouses, and children were all taken too soon due to this devastating storm.

The sorrow I experienced after this event was overwhelming and so, late into the night, I donated to GoFundMe accounts of those impacted by the storm. Although donating provided some relief, it didn’t feel like enough – that’s when I realized my car had no winter survival kit in it! Despite living in a location where snow is an anticipated part of every winter season, all that remained in my car was a frozen water bottle rolling around on the passenger side floor and an old snow brush.

Although I’m usually equipped for multiple situations with food and essentials, outdoor wilderness predicaments are not my area of expertise. Investigating the essential items needed in a car to prepare for potential emergencies was an insightful journey.

A winter car bag is both simple and necessary, yet often overlooked; however, having this type of precautionary measure could be critical if you get stuck in an unexpected blizzard.

Before the winter season, Be sure to weatherize your vehicle:

• winter tires
• full tank of gas at all times.
• charged battery
• full fluids
• winter windshield wipers.

The FIRST thing you should do when traveling in a storm is: TELL people!

It is important to ensure that you share your exact itinerary with loved ones before traveling. This way, if something unexpected were to occur and you become lost or stranded, they could retrace the steps of your journey and find you more quickly.

There are many items that you should store in your car in case of an emergency involving a snowstorm. Amazon has plenty of products that can help you prepare for this kind of situation. I have put together a list of the best products I could find for the best price, to have in your car if you are stranded in a blizzard.

Let’s start with what food items you should store in your car:

Any type of peel back canned fish make it easier to get to any canned food while stranded by getting peel back canned items. Crackers are great to store in your car as well, beef jerky, any freeze-dried fruit or veggie is a great addition to your food supply. Including water and a bottle of alcohol and some table salt in your survival kit can be incredibly beneficial. Not only does the heat from the alcohol help to keep you warm, but it also has many other uses during an emergency. Likewise, adding salt to your water will not only prevent freezing temperatures but replenish vital electrolytes too!

When the storm strikes, having an arsenal of effective tools is essential for making it to the other side safe and sound.

Here are the necessary items that can help you battle any type of weather:

This Emergency Escape Hammer is one of the best items to keep in your car during a snowstorm. It’s an all-in-one tool with a shatterproof window breaker and seatbelt cutter, which can be used to escape if you are stuck in your car. The ergonomic handle makes it easy to grip and it even has a built-in LED flashlight/ strobe light to help you find your way out of the car. making it easier for resecures to find you.

A Carbon Monoxide Detector for Your CAR is one of the most important items to have during a blizzard. This small device is designed to detect low-level carbon monoxide gas, which can be fatal when inhaled. The detector has a metal body construction and weighs only 2 ounces, making it easy to carry with you. It also has a loud and clear alarm that will alert you if there is a dangerous level of carbon monoxide in the air. This detector is essential for anyone who may be stuck in their car during a snowstorm, as it could save their life. This is something you can have on you at all times even in your home.

When the snow starts to fall, having Jumper Cables with you can be a lifesaver. This cable ultimately makes jumpstarting your car simpler than ever before! Giving you peace of mind if an emergency arises. Keep these in your car year-round.

If you find yourself stranded due to a sudden snowstorm, this Mini Folding Shovel is crafted from high-carbon steel, it’s resilient and can handle any task given its way! It also has a folding design for ultimate portability and storability – not to mention that its lightweight makes easy digging possible. If necessary, this shovel could be used for various tasks such as clearing away debris or even creating shelter if need be. Ultimately this Mini Folding Shovel deserves a spot in your car trunk should you ever face being stuck out in inclement weather conditions—as it may just prove invaluable during those kinds of times!

It’s always a good idea to have these items in your car ahead of time. By having the right equipment and knowing what to do, you can increase your chances of surviving.

If you find yourself stuck in your car and need to conserve gas, rechargeable heated items are a must. Recharge while the vehicle is running and enjoy the warmth of gloves, hand warmers, or even a sleeping bag that stays powered up when the engine isn’t on!

Bundle up and stay charged with these items:

These Heated Gloves for Men and Women are the perfect solution to keeping your hands warm during a snowstorm. The gloves feature rechargeable batteries that provide up to 7 hours of heat on a single charge, and they have waterproof technology that ensures your hands stay dry while wearing them. The heated gloves also come with touchscreen-compatible fingertips, so you don’t need to take them off to use your device. The gloves are perfect for skiing, snowboarding, and any other outdoor winter activities. They are comfortable and durable, making them the ideal choice for staying warm during a snowstorm. Highly recommended!

My favorite item is the Rechargeable Hand Warmer. They are a great solution for keeping your hands and feet warm during a snowstorm. They feature rechargeable batteries that provide up to 10 hours of heat on a single charge, and they have three different temperature settings so you can find the perfect level of warmth. They are also lightweight and compact, making them perfect for traveling. I highly recommend these hand warmers for anyone looking for a reliable way to stay warm I love them!

This Heated Sleeping Bag is the perfect solution for keeping warm during a snowstorm. The bag features 5 USB-powered heating pads that provide up to 16 hours of heat on a single charge and can be operated with battery power banks or other USB power supplies. The mummy-style sleeping bag is lightweight and compact making it perfect for camping out in your car, and the adjustable drawstring hood ensures you stay warm even in the coldest temperatures.

Portable Charger Power Banks are one of the best accessories to have in your car during a snowstorm. This 2 pack of power banks will let you charge multiple devices at once, including smartphones and all USB devices. And with the dual USB ports, you can charge two devices at the same time! These power banks are indispensable during a snowstorm, especially if your car won’t start. Having them as an emergency backup could be life-saving! Keep all of your devices charged and ready for what comes next when the weather turns nasty.

Clothing items you might already have at home that you can add to your car bag:

• a pair of wool socks and a wool blanket
• spare towels
• extra hat
• scarf
• underwear

Stay insulated with these items:

Outdoor Ski/Snowboard Goggles for Men, Women & Youth – 100% UV Protection.These goggles fit securely and provide excellent protection against wind and snow. The lenses are also incredibly clear and provide 100% UV protection. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for a reliable pair of ski goggles that will keep their eyes safe in all kinds of weather. If you find yourself outside of a car, trying to find your way to safety, a good pair of ski goggles could help you navigate your surroundings and get you to a safe place without getting disoriented.

The Long Johns Thermal Underwear for men and women, Fleece Lined Base Layer Set for Cold Weather. These thermal underwear sets are incredibly comfortable, warm, and well-made. They keep you cozy in even the coldest temperatures and provide a great layer of protection from wind and snow. I was also pleased to learn that the Thermajohn Long Johns come in women’s sizes. If you’re looking for a reliable set of thermal underwear to keep you warm during cold weather, I highly recommend adding these to your car survival kit!

These Insulated Waterproof Winter Snow Boots are the perfect choice for staying warm and dry during a snowstorm. They feature a waterproof upper with insulation to help keep your feet warm, and the rubber sole is slip-resistant so you won’t lose your footing on icy terrain. The boots also have an adjustable lacing system and a drawstring closure to provide an extra secure fit. The boots are lightweight and comfortable, making them ideal for walking or hiking in cold weather. I highly recommend these snow boots if you’re looking for a reliable way to stay warm during a snowstorm!

This waterproof backpack is the perfect spot to store all of your winter essentials! Keep it in your car during cold weather packed with the items above and rest assured that you’ll be ready for whatever Mother Nature throws at you—including blizzards. Enjoy peace of mind knowing that you have everything prepared and stored safely away in case of an emergency.

Winter weather can be unpredictable and dangerous as 2022 has proven here in Buffalo, New York. To safeguard yourself and your vehicle during a snowstorm, it is crucial to prepare ahead of time. Having a good set of tires on your car, a full tank of gas, radiator antifreeze, blankets, a flashlight, a power bank charger, waterproof boots, extra clothes and snacks are essential items to have if you find yourself stuck in a snowstorm.

Remember to stay safe while driving during the winter season and make sure your car is ready too! Keep an eye on road conditions and plan as much as possible so you don’t find yourself stuck in hazardous weather without the right supplies. Hopefully, these tips will help keep you prepared and safe should you ever find yourself with the unfortunate luck of being caught in a nasty snowstorm. Good luck out there!