If you’re heading out in your car in the winter — even if you’re only going a few blocks — you should take care to pack the right items in your vehicle. A “trip to the store” in your house slippers and a light sweatshirt could turn ugly if your battery dies in the parking lot and you have to walk home in the snow.

Always keep in your vehicle during the winter:

• Window ice scraper and/or brush
• Warm hat and gloves
• Warm jacket and footwear
• Emergency numbers, phone chargers and your roadside assistance information
• Jumper cables, extra headlight bulbs, extra oil or car fluids
• Tire pressure gauge and portable flat-fixing kit
• Basic first-aid kit
• Basic tool kit (screwdriver, pliers, pocket knife, adjustable wrench, etc.)

On longer trips, consider also adding:

• A collapsible snow shovel
• Thermal emergency blankets
• Emergency hand and foot heat packs
• Extra socks, gloves, hats, etc.
• Some fresh food and water (watch for cracks if water bottles freeze, and avoid rodents finding your stash of granola bars with careful storage and regular clean outs)
• Flares and emergency roadside supplies like flags, flashlights and matches