Preparing your emergency kit for winter

With the snow comes the fun, but with the fun comes the need to know the worst can happen.

After a Utah man was stranded in the backcountry near Arimo for a couple days this week, it reminds us to be sure to have an emergency pack in our car this winter.

Torrey Danner, commander for Bannock County search and rescue, said it’s important to tailor your emergency pack to the activity you’ll be doing. For example, if you’re going snowshoeing, be sure to pack the essentials, but also to not to pack over 25 to 30 pounds.

It’s also important to have an idea how long you plan on being out there.

“If it’s going to be long hours, maybe think about packing a fire starter and some warm blankets,” said Danner. “Also bring extra clothing in case you get wet.”

Of course, backcountry snow sports aren’t the only thing to be worried about. Just driving can get you in a dangerous situation. Danner said it’s good to have an emergency pack just for your car.

According to Danner, these items are good to have in an emergency pack:

blanket ensolite pad food (ready-to-eat meals, granola bars, other nonperishable foods) and water (liter bottles preferred) pocket knife or some kind of leatherman tool candles, lighter, waterproof matches tissue paper in a ziplock bag metal cup flares signal mirror warm and extra clothing (hats, gloves, wool socks, sweatshirts/jackets, long underwear) GPS device headlamp/flashlight batteries radio

The following are good to have in a medical kit, which is highly recommended to be included in your emergency pack:

band-aids (different sizes and types) athletic tape roller gauze antiseptic prep pads chemical heat packs safety pins chapstick and other lip protection BSI-gloves stethoscope thermometer

Also, when doing anything in the backcountry, be sure someone knows and is aware when you’ll be back. It’s also important to have your cell phone fully charged.