A Complete Winter Survival Kit for Your Car
Most of us lead a comfortable existence, assured we’ll have warmth, food, and shelter every day. Unfortunately, this means we rarely plan for situations in which our lives might actually be threatened.
Bad weather can strip away your safety suddenly. To see how quickly a normal situation can turn deadly, we have only to look back at the sad death of James Kim of CNET, who lost his life seeking help after his car and family were stranded in a blizzard. You don’t have to be in a very remote area for this to happen, either. Wisconsin blizzards can be so blinding that rescue crews can’t see you 10 feet off the road.
We really don’t know what the weather will bring, but you can take steps to help ensure your safety. Ensure your car is in working order, that you have sufficient fuel, and that you verify directions and watch for warning signs. Carrying a winter survival kit may help if the unexpected happens.
Here are the basic items recommended by the Wisconsin DOT for your winter survival kit:
- 3-pound metal coffee can (punch 3 equidistant holes at the top). Store the other items inside the can.
- 60" twine and 3 large safety pins (to suspend can).
- 1 candle 2" diameter (place on lid under suspended can for melting snow).
- Pocketknife and spoon.
- Bright cloth (tie to antenna or door handle).
- Packets of soup, hot chocolate, tea, bouillon cubes, etc.
- Peanuts, protein/energy bars, dried fruit, etc.
- Socks and gloves (not cotton).
- 2 packs of matches.
- 1 sun shield blanket.
- 1 pen light and batteries (keep separate).
Pack enough material to survive at least 72 hours in your vehicle. If you’ll be travelling in a more remote location at any time, pack more. Here's a more advanced kit from Safety-Goods.