Winter Travel Emergency Kit

Forming Your Plan

Your survival kit may keep you alive, but it won't get you rescued. "One of the supreme mistakes people make, even if it's as simple as a day hike, is not telling other people where they're going to be," says Lundin. "You need to have a game plan." Set up a time to call a certain person when you arrive so that if an emergency occurs, someone knows where to send help. Tell the person the route you plan on taking. "You can't count on a tow truck coming by," says Lundin.

Don't forget that your children should also know the game plan and where the survival supplies are stowed. Explain to your children before the trip where your emergency supplies are and what to do with them. Even toddlers and preschoolers can be taught what to do in an emergency situation in case you get hurt.

A Few Last Words of Caution

"If you are caught in a storm, don't leave the car," says Patricia Barnes-Svarney, author of A Paranoid's Guide to Survival. "You have a better change of being rescued if you stay than if you trek off to find help in a disorienting, blowing blizzard. And if you've packed your care package (emergency kit), it makes the wait much easier."

If you're able to run your engine, make sure that the exhaust pipe is clear of snow and crack the vehicle's windows for ventilation.

Last, but not least, don't panic! "Ninety percent of survival is psychology," says Lundin. The way that you react to the situation will greatly influence how your kids respond to what's going on. If you're prepared, you'll find comfort in knowing that you have the supplies that you need to survive until help arrives.