Winter Vehicle Emergency/Survival Kit (Revisited)

Friday, February 11th, 2011

Winter is here with a vengence! So I thought I would revisit these topics so that everyone can review them and help them stay safe with whats left of winter.

I know it’s months away and many of you may think I’m crazy for even bringing this up, but it will be here before me know it….like it or not. Granted our portion of Indiana is not some vast untamed wilderness like other areas of the US, but we all know that bad winter weather is a fact of life here.

I would like to mention in addition to the kit you should keep in your car, I would recommend getting in the habit of never letting your car’s fuel tank get below a half full. I know it can be difficult to remember and somewhat hard on the wallet, especially with todays prices, but like any goal….strive to do this.

After years of commuting over an hour to work I suggest that all vehicles should contain a basic car survival kit. At least that’s my thoughts…because anyone driving in remote areas, especially during winter months is at risk of ending up in a survival situation. Regardless if you’re stuck in a snow drift or your car breaks down on some back country road…winter weather can be extremely unpredictable.

However, a little knowledge and preparation can go a long way in preventing survival situations. Here are a few important points to always remember when driving in remote areas.

Inform someone of your route

This goes without saying. Notify someone or several people of where you are going and your route.

Lost or stranded

If you get in trouble you should stay with the vehicle. Studies show that you’re more likely to survive if you don’t venture out looking for help. Furthermore, since you have informed someone about your route the search and rescue crews know where to look.

With a properly equipped car emergency kit, you could survive in your vehicle for days if necessary. If you, for some reason, decide to leave your vehicle, only do it if the weather clears, and you have proper clothing.

Prepare your winter car survival kit

Prepare for the unexpected. Think of the worst possible scenario and prepare for it. Always have a survival kit in your car that never gets taken out.

“Must-have” items in your car:

> Flashlights and extra batteries.
> A multitool knife.
> Extra set of clothes – so you can turn the car off and still stay warm.
> Extra socks, gloves and hats.
> Blankets and/or sleeping bag.
> Waterproof matches and candle (- used to help keep warm).
> Small coffee can or canteen cup - to melt snow for drinking water.
> Local maps.
> Tools (screwdriver, pliers, wrench).
> Road flares.
> Rope.
> Jumper Cables.
> Small shovel.
> Set of tire chains.
> Bottled water.
> Food (Nuts, dried fruit or power/energy bars).
> Cell phone – make sure your cell phone battery is fully charged. Might be a good time to invest in a car charger as well.
> First aid kit – and know how to use it. In addition to this I might suggest 3 days of any prescription meds that any family members may need.

Check your kit periodically for completeness and expiration dates of any food and meds. Finally ensure everyone knows where it’s located.

Reminder

Never go for a car trip during winter time without proper clothing. That probably mean you have to bring with you a winter jacket and pants, boots, gloves and a cap. You never know if you have to walk for help.

Carbon Monoxide Poisioning

Many people that may slide off the road and into a ditch or snow bank will just keep the car running to stay warm. But the danger of carbon monoxide is very real and very deadly. Carbon monoxide can be ordorless and tasteless, and many times people get CO poisioning without even knowing it, you simply feel groggy or sleepy and go to sleep….depriving your body of oxygen and eventually death.

If you do use the car’s heat to keep warm here are some tips:

1. Run the car for 10-20 minutes and then shut it off (if you know it will start again) and leave it off for 30 minutes or so.

2. Keep a window cracked, preferably on the downwind side.

3. Keep the tail/exhaust clear of snow and debris. Yes….bite the bullet and get out of the car to make sure it stays clear.

Check under the “Local Links”…..I have added a link to the Indiana Department of Transportation website that has the road conditions for all counties in Indiana.

Hope this helps!