If you go to Central Washington Univerity and you live on the west side, then you have to drive over a Snoqualmie Pass to get here. No mountain pass is fun to drive over but unfortunatey you have to do it. Here are some of the items that we would recomend keeping in your car just in case of emergency.
Tire Chains
If you do not have a four wheel or all-wheel drive vehicle you need these. A lot of the time Snoqualmie pass is chains required so having these and knowing how to put them on your tires so you don’t pop them are very important. Its just as important to have chains, as it is to know how to put them on. Make sure someone teaches you how to use tire chains before you go on your way!
Case of Water
Always have a case of water in your car. This is a good thing to have all year round because in the winter if you get stranded you have it to hydrate and in the summer you have it to cool off your radiator. Remember to keep it inside the cab of your car and not in trunk so its doesn’t freeze as easily.
Spare Clothes
In your car having a bag with spare clothes in it is very important. If for whatever reason your car gets stranded, and you don’t have a way to get anywhere, having extra warm clothes in your car will be very important. Make sure to layer up and stay warm. Pack extra socks and gloves to keep your toes and fingers warm. Make sure to pack hats to keep your head warm.
Nonperishable Food
Food is imporant, so having a small box of non-perishable snacks could end up being a blessing if you ever find yourself in trouble. Beef jerky, granola bars, trail mix and some candy to keep your blood sugar up.
Hand and Foot Warmers
These are smart to have. By packs of them at Fred Meyers. They are $1.59 or usually on sale for 10 for $10.00. Having these will be nice when your socks aren’t keeping your toes warm anymore.
Blankets & Sleeping Bags
If you have to spend the night in your car you will want to be as warm as possible. Make sure to have plenty of blankets in your car. If you can buy a mummy bag sleeping bag that would be the best thing to keep you warm through the night.
Flashlights and Spare Batteries
Your car lights most likely will not work in this situation and you won’t want to kill your phone battery by using the flashlight on it. If you have to walk to get help in the dark you are going to be happy that you have the flashlight.
Spare Pair of Snow Boots
I know we don’t all drive in our snow boots so put an extra pair in your car just in case you have to walk through the snow to get help. Cheap ones are the best for this.
A Shovel and Kitty Litter
If you get stuck in the snow dig out around your tires and then put kitty litter in front of your tires to give you traction to drive away.
Winter in Washington isnt the best for driving. But as long as you have these items in your car you should be safe and be prepared at all times.