Real estate professionals are thought of as "road warriors," and for good reason. Your trusty car, van, or truck works as a mobile office. One reason why Homesale Realty is so successful is our team's ability to stay productive on the road.

That said, it can be a tricky balancing act to manage your comfort and safety while still doing all you need to do on the road. That becomes extra challenging in the winter, especially if you are based in an area where winter snows tend to be heavy. It pays to be ready for an emergency!

Preparing in advance is crucial, and that starts with having the right gear in your vehicle.

Get Your Emergency Roadside Kit Ready for Winter Weather

While there are many useful things you may already have stashed away, it's important to double-check your inventory and be sure you're equipped for just about anything. With that in mind, here's a quick checklist. Ensure all these items are stored where you can find them on the road!

• Hand shovel
• Set of jumper cables
• Portable phone charger
• Additional AA and AAA batteries
• Flashlight
• Tire inflator
• Road flares or high-visibility reflective triangles
• First aid kit with Band-Aids, gauze, and antibacterial gel
• Shelf-stable food items, including bottled water
• Blanket, winter gloves, and winter hat
• Windshield scraper
• Self-defense tool
• Tow rope or chain
• Warmer packets
• Sandbags
• Basic toolkit
• Rescue whistle
• Duct tape
• Spare fuses
• Knife
• Fire extinguisher
• Matches
• Candle
• Tire iron
• Spare tire

The Best Winter Weather Emergency Tips for Real Estate Agents

• Make Sure Someone Always Knows Where You Are
  No matter the season, someone should always know exactly where you're headed and when you expect to be back. This way, there will be someone there to help if the worst happens and you can't reach out. A colleague, assistant, or even your spouse should know your plan for the day, especially if you'll be showing a house alone or traveling through winter weather on the way.
  
  
• Prepare Your Phone in Advance
  Stocking up your smartphone with the right emergency apps makes a big difference if you have trouble in a remote location. Apps are available to turn your phone into a "walkie-talkie" that functions in an emergency even if you have no cell reception. If alone and lost, always try to call directly to 911. If you have some reception, you can change your voicemail to give the time and your approximate location.
  
  
• In a Serious Emergency, Stay Put
  If your vehicle is disabled in the snow, it's almost always best to stay where you are rather than look for help. If someone is searching for you—whether a friend, family member, or rescue team—they will have a much easier time finding you if you stay put. This remains true in the dark. You can raise visibility of your car with high-vis materials. Remember, the longer you run your headlights, the sooner your battery (and thus, your heater) will die.
  
  
• Know How to Get Your Car Out of the Snow
  Freeing your car from the snow can be tricky, but there is one basic technique everyone should know: The "forward and back" technique. Put your vehicle is the lowest gear, move forward just slightly, then back up gently. Stop, put the vehicle in forward, then apply a little gas. That can loosen snow. If you aren't moving at all, try braking a bit at the same time you apply the gas.

Contact BHHS Homesale Realty today to learn more.