The Maine Department of Transportation recommends these items for your car as you prepare for winter:
- Shovel
- Windshield scraper and broom
- Extra windshield washer fluid
- Tire chains or traction mats
- Healthy snacks and water (water left overnight will probably freeze)
- First aid kit
- Blankets
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Pocket knife or multi-tool
- Good spare tire, jack and lug wrench
- Flares or reflectors
- Battery jumper cables
- Brightly colored cloth for emergency flagging
- Cell phone with emergency phone numbers programmed and spare charger
- Extra boots, gloves, socks and warm hat rain or waterproof gear
- Sand or kitty litter (to help with traction if you are stuck)
- Salt (to help melt ice)
- Map: to help direct rescuers to your location
- Always have at least a half tank of gas in winter