Beyond Jumper Cables: The One Weird Item Every Indiana Mom Needs In Her Winter Emergency Kit

Stuck on the side of a snowy road is every Indiana mom's worry in winter. Many drivers skip parts of their Winter Car Emergency Kit List, and it can make a tough situation worse. Our blog highlights one odd but smart item that goes beyond jumper cables to keep Midwest families safe.

Find out what you are missing before your next family road trip through Indiana, Ohio, or Kentucky.

Key Takeaways

• Indiana moms need a winter emergency kit in their car, with items like blankets, extra clothing, and a first-aid kit to stay safe on snowy roads.

• A roll of duct tape is the one weird but vital item for fixing broken things until you can get proper help.

• Other must-have items include an ice scraper, snow brush, portable shovel, sand or kitty litter for traction, cell phone charger or power bank, and reflective triangles or flares.

• Keeping snacks and bottled water in your car helps avoid dehydration and keeps energy up during emergencies.

• Tom Tepe Autocenter suggests visiting them for vehicles that are ready to handle tough Indiana winters safely.

  
  

Why Every Indiana Driver Needs a Winter Emergency Kit

Severe weather hits Indiana, Milan, Cincinnati, and Harrison, Ohio, every year. Storms bring icy roads that cause vehicles to skid or get stuck in the snow. The American Automobile Association (AAA) recommends that every driver keep an emergency kit in their car during the winter months.

A simple kit with essential safety items lowers your risk when driving on snowy highways or backroads.

A well-stocked survival kit can help if your vehicle breaks down while traveling between Indianapolis and Aurora, Indiana. Key tools like jumper cables, a flashlight, warm clothing, and water help families stay safe until help arrives.

“Preparedness is key for family road trip safety essentials,” says the team at Tom Tepe Autocenter." Print out a checklist from almanac.com or our dealership website to make sure you include all must-have car items before any trip this winter season.

Essentials for a Winter Emergency Kit

Every Indiana driver should keep a winter emergency kit in the car. Simple supplies like warm gear, light sources, and quick snacks can make a big difference if you get stuck during cold weather.

Blankets or sleeping bags

Blankets and sleeping bags should always be in your winter emergency kit. Cold temperatures hit hard in Milan, Indiana, making warmth a top priority if you are stuck on the road. These items give quick comfort and help prevent frostbite or hypothermia if your car breaks down during snow or freezing rain.

Thick blankets or insulated sleeping bags work best because they keep body heat trapped inside. Keep extra warm clothing with them—hats, gloves, and socks add even more protection for you and your family.

Many must have car items to help with emergencies, but nothing beats the basic need to stay warm while waiting for help. Emergency kits built by experienced auto professionals at Tom Tepe Autocenter include these essentials because Indiana winters can change fast without warning.

Next up: why it is smart to pack extra winter hats, gloves, jackets, and socks along with your emergency gear.

Extra warm clothing (hats, gloves, socks)

A serious cold in Milan, Indiana, can put any driver at risk. Extra warm clothing, such as hats, gloves, and thick socks, helps keep your body heat from escaping too fast. They protect fingers, toes, and ears from frostbite if the car breaks down on icy roads.

Every winter emergency kit should include these items to reduce the chance of hypothermia during a breakdown or long wait for help.

Packing extra layers is not just about comfort; it is about safety. Our team sees many drivers each year who face unexpected cold-weather emergencies. We have learned that simple extras like dry socks or insulated mittens make a real difference until rescue arrives.

For all shoppers building an emergency kit in Indiana, always add spare winter clothing with your charger and other essentials before you hit the road this season.

First-aid kit

A first-aid kit stands as a vital part of any winter emergency kit. It helps treat cuts, scrapes, or mild burns fast while waiting for help. Indiana winters can surprise drivers with icy roads and tough weather.

Small injuries happen easily if you slip on ice or handle car repairs in the cold.

A well-stocked first-aid kit should include bandages, pain relievers, antiseptic wipes, and gauze pads. These items prepare you for minor accidents during harsh winter drives. "Grit keeps your vehicle going; a good first-aid kit protects your family," says Harry Tepe of Tom Tepe Autocenter & Car Country.

After stocking up on medical basics, focus next on light sources like flashlights to keep everyone safe inside the car if stranded at night.

Flashlight with extra batteries

A flashlight with extra batteries is a must for any emergency kit. Power outages and car breakdowns happen often in Indiana winters, especially after dark. Good visibility keeps you safe while checking your vehicle or looking for help.

Extra batteries make sure the light will work when needed.

Use the flashlight to signal first responders or passing drivers in emergencies. Keep it stored where you can grab it fast, like your glove box or center console. Tom Tepe Autocenter recommends this basic tool because it gives peace of mind and helps keep families safe on winter roads.

Non-perishable snacks and bottled water

Granola bars and protein bars keep energy up during emergencies. These non-perishable snacks last for months in your emergency kit. Bottled water stops dehydration, which is a real risk during winter breakdowns or delays.

The American Automobile Association lists both snacks and water as must-haves in every emergency kit checklist.

Always store enough bottled water for at least one day per person in the car. Kids need quick calories while waiting for help, so easy-to-eat foods like granola bars are smart choices.

Tom Tepe Autocenter’s printable PDF makes adding these items to your winter emergency kit simple and fast. Snacks and water give peace of mind when roads get icy or travel stalls across Indiana winters.

Beyond Jumper Cables: The One Weird Item You Need

Most moms pack jumper cables, but there is a simple tool many forget—duct tape. This roll can fix a broken window seal or help patch loose parts until you get proper repairs.

Why this item is a game-changer for Indiana moms

This one weird item fills a gap in most emergency kits. It goes beyond warmth and basic supplies, giving Indiana moms extra safety during unexpected winter emergencies. A printable checklist makes it easy for busy moms to organize their emergency kit right from home.

Extra tools like this help keep families calm if they get stranded outside Richmond or along I-74. Quick action becomes possible with everything at hand, which means less waiting in dangerous cold or snowstorms.

As part of Tom Tepe Autocenter’s expert advice, we always recommend proactive preparation for any Midwest winter drive.

“The right emergency kit gives every mom confidence she can protect her family—no matter what Indiana’s weather throws her way.”

How it can help during unexpected winter emergencies

A winter emergency kit with the right items can save lives during harsh Indiana weather. For example, a Mylar emergency blanket folds up small but reflects body heat and keeps you warm if your car breaks down on icy roads.

The American Automobile Association (AAA) says it is smart to keep survival gear like this in your car at all times. In extreme cold, staying dry and conserving warmth becomes urgent; a compact blanket or even extra socks and gloves can prevent frostbite while you wait for help.

Items such as hand warmers quickly provide extra heat for kids or adults stuck in freezing temperatures. Simple tools like a flashlight with spare batteries boost safety by giving light if stranded after dark.

Paired with water, snacks, traction mats, and a roadside flare from your vehicle’s emergency kit, you gain time until help arrives—especially critical on highways where storms often cause long delays.

Emergency kits are not just helpful recommendations; they are essential tools that make sure each trip across Indiana roads stays as safe as possible for families all winter long.

Additional Must-Have Items for Winter Safety

You need more than a good emergency kit to face Indiana’s tough winters. Some simple tools can save the day when you least expect it.

Ice scraper and snow brush

An ice scraper and a snow brush should always be in your emergency kit. Both tools help keep your car windows clear of ice and snow. Clear windows mean better visibility and safer driving in Indiana's tough winter months.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends these tools for all drivers, especially moms who transport kids.

Indiana snowfall can leave cars packed with heavy snow or thick ice overnight. Using an ice scraper saves time and keeps you from using risky items like credit cards or hot water, which can crack glass.

A snow brush removes thick layers quickly without scratching surfaces. Tom Tepe Autocenter includes these simple but powerful safety tips because your safety comes first while you shop for reliable vehicles prepared to handle anything winter brings.

Portable snow shovel

A portable snow shovel fits right in your trunk. It helps Indiana moms dig out fast if snow piles up around their tires or blocks a path. You can clear away slush and ice, making it easier to use traction mats or sand from your emergency kit.

Unlike big shovels at home, foldable models save space and work well for quick winter fixes.

Keeping a compact shovel makes getting stuck on chilly roads less stressful. AAA and safety experts suggest every driver include one in their winter emergency kits along with essentials like snacks, water, extra clothes, blankets, a flashlight with batteries, first-aid supplies, jumper cables, and an ice scraper.

Sand, kitty litter, or traction mats

Sand, kitty litter, and traction mats help your vehicle gain grip if it gets stuck on snow or ice. Indiana moms count on these items during harsh winters because slick roads can leave a car stranded fast.

Add one of these to your emergency kit before the next winter storm hits.

A bag of sand or non-clumping cat litter can be a lifesaver for getting moving again, says our Tom Tepe Autocenter team.

Use sand or kitty litter under the tires to create instant friction when wheels spin in place. Traction mats work just as well and are easy to slide under stuck tires. These basic tools are simple but critical for safety in tough conditions.

Every emergency kit should include at least one option to boost traction when it matters most.

Cell phone charger or power bank

A cell phone charger or power bank keeps your phone charged during emergencies. An emergency kit without one leaves you unable to call for help, check weather updates, or contact loved ones if stranded in an Indiana winter storm.

Many local moms rely on their phones for safety and directions, especially during harsh conditions from December through March. Carry a car charger that works in the vehicle’s outlet or use a portable power bank that does not need electricity.

A printable checklist includes this item because staying connected saves lives in bad weather. Including a charger or power bank shows proactive preparation and adds another layer of safety to every emergency kit.

At Tom Tepe Autocenter, our professionals often see how vital communication is when road conditions get tough across Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky. Keep your cell phone ready; it could make all the difference this winter season.

Reflective triangles or flares

Reflective triangles or road flares belong in every winter emergency kit. These tools make your vehicle visible if you are stuck on snowy Indiana roads. Bright colors and lights catch the eye of other drivers.

This helps keep you safe during distress situations.

Indiana moms count on these signals to alert oncoming traffic when parked or stranded at night or in poor weather. Experts recommend them for all emergency kits because they can prevent collisions and give peace of mind until help arrives.

Download a printable PDF from our team showing this item, along with other key essentials for your emergency kit preparation this winter.

Explore Reliable Vehicles Prepared for Winter Conditions at Tom Tepe Autocenter

My team and I handpick cars and trucks that handle cold, snowy Indiana roads. Visit Tom Tepe Autocenter or Car Country to see safe winter-ready vehicles for your next trip.

New and used inventory suitable for winter

Tom Tepe Autocenter stocks new Chevrolet models like the Chevy Silverado 1500 and Equinox. These vehicles come with features for winter driving in Indiana and Ohio, such as all-wheel drive and heated seats.

The dealership also offers used crossovers, trucks, and sport utility vehicles that handle snow and icy roads well.

Each vehicle goes through a full inspection to help shoppers feel safe during harsh weather. Our team gives buyers clear information about safety options for their emergency kit. Customers looking to upgrade can use financing or trade-in choices, pending approval, for an easier purchase process.

Next, we will explore quick ways to finance your winter-ready vehicle.

Financing and trade-in options for an easy upgrade

Easy upgrades to safer winter vehicles start with simple steps at our dealership. Our finance department helps shoppers find affordable options for both new and used cars. Quick online applications make getting approved fast for those who qualify.

Trade-in offers also help lower costs by letting you use your current car’s value toward your next ride.

Our team encourages long-term ownership, building trust with Indiana families year after year. We support more than 2,000 vehicle deals annually, which means we have experience matching customers with reliable rides and clear payment plans during tough winters.

Shopping here makes it easy to get an emergency kit ready in a dependable vehicle suited for icy roads or snowstorms. All financing is based on approved credit through our experienced auto center professionals at Car Country and Tom Tepe Autocenter.

Conclusion

Staying prepared during Indiana winters keeps your family safe. A winter emergency kit is a must for every car, especially for moms on the go. Small items like jumper cables and even that one weird tool can make all the difference when roads get tough.

At Tom Tepe Autocenter and Car Country, we help you find vehicles ready for winter. Visit us and drive with peace of mind this season.

FAQs

1. What is the “one weird item” every Indiana mom should add to her winter emergency kit?The one weird but incredibly useful item is duct tape. It takes up very little space in your car, but it can temporarily fix loose trim, help seal a drafty or broken window, secure a dangling mirror, or even bundle items together until you can safely reach Tom Tepe Autocenter or Car Country for proper repairs.

2. Why is duct tape such an important part of a winter emergency kit?Duct tape is important because winter problems aren’t always just about dead batteries. Cold, ice, and road debris can cause small parts to come loose or seals to break. A simple roll of duct tape lets you make quick, temporary fixes so you can keep cold air, snow, or moisture out of the vehicle until you get to a trusted service center like Tom Tepe Autocenter & Car Country.

3. What other items should every Indiana family keep in a winter emergency kit?Along with duct tape, every winter emergency kit should include blankets or sleeping bags, extra hats and gloves, a first-aid kit, a flashlight with extra batteries, non-perishable snacks, bottled water, an ice scraper and snow brush, a small shovel, and sand, kitty litter, or traction mats. These items work together to keep your family warm, visible, and safe while you wait for help on Indiana, Ohio, or Kentucky roads.

4. How can I use my winter emergency kit if I get stuck on the road?If you get stuck, first make sure your vehicle is visible by turning on hazard lights and, if it’s safe, placing reflective triangles or flares. Use blankets, extra clothing, and snacks to keep everyone warm and comfortable. If a window seal or small trim piece fails in the cold, use duct tape as a temporary fix to keep out wind and snow. Then call for help and stay with your vehicle until assistance arrives.

5. Can Tom Tepe Autocenter & Car Country help me get my vehicle ready for winter?Yes. The team at Tom Tepe Autocenter in Milan and Car Country locations in Aurora and Harrison can inspect your vehicle’s battery, tires, brakes, wipers, and fluids, and give you guidance on building a solid winter emergency kit—right down to that roll of duct tape. When you visit, just ask our staff to walk through winter prep tips so you can head into the season with extra confidence.

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Harry Tepe, Owner and Dealer Principal, Tom Tepe Autocenter

Harry Tepe is a seasoned automotive expert and the owner of Tom Tepe Autocenter, a leading vehicle dealership serving the Midwest states of Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky. With a lifelong passion for automobiles.

Over the years, Harry worked his way up through various roles, absorbing valuable insights into sales management and dealership operations until he became the youngest GM Dealer Principal and owner of Tom Tepe Autocenter, expanding the business to include multiple locations and a standalone reconditioning center.

Under Harry's leadership, Tom Tepe Autocenter and Car Country in Aurora and Harrison, Ohio, have grown exponentially, selling over 2000 vehicles annually and generating over $50 million in revenue. His active involvement in the industry is further evidenced by his participation in the NADA 20 Group and his influential role on the Board of Directors for the Indiana Auto Dealers Association, even serving as its President in 2016.

Harry's journey embodies the essence of expertise, authority, and trustworthiness. His insights and experiences are not just stories of personal growth and business success; they are testaments to his deep understanding of and commitment to the automotive industry.