Kirkland emergency manager outlines winter-driving kit: chains, warm bin, mylar blanket

Heather Kelly, the City of Kirkland Emergency Manager, delivered a brief winter-travel checklist in a recorded message, urging drivers to carry equipment and supplies that can reduce risk when weather turns hazardous.

"We always encourage during winter season to have chains in your vehicle," Kelly said, adding that motorists should "make sure the chains fit your tires" because chains "can't necessarily interchange between vehicles." The city recommends chains as a primary tool for traction on snowy or icy roads.

Kelly also recommended keeping tools to maintain visibility: "I always like to have a large ice scraper for the windows as well as a brush to get that extra snow off so it doesn't create a hazard for the drivers behind you." She said drivers should prioritize clearing snow and ice from windows and vehicle surfaces before traveling.

Beyond tools for the vehicle, Kelly described two types of emergency supplies to keep on hand. A year-round safety kit should include high-visibility vests, an extra cell-phone charger, food, water, lights and an extra vest "in case someone helps me with the situation," she said. For cold-weather incidents, she recommended a separate "warm bin" containing an extra blanket, multiple pairs of gloves and spare socks, another ice scraper, a hat and layered clothing.

Kelly urged adding sturdy footwear and insulated outerwear to that warm kit: "I also add to my warm bin my waterproof wet winter boots and a high vis highly fixed ski jacket so that when it's really cold I have more layers to put on to protect me and potentially those that I may be helping." She singled out mylar emergency blankets as another versatile item to keep in every vehicle: "one of these mylar emergency blankets. They can help out if someone's in shock during the warm weather or if someone's cold during the that or in a disaster."

The guidance is presented as practical precautions rather than regulatory requirements; Kelly framed the recommendations as items she keeps personally and suggests drivers consider for their own safety.

Kelly's checklist focuses on immediate, low-cost steps drivers can take to reduce exposure and improve safety during winter travel. No formal action or policy change was announced.