Vehicle survival kit

[Ramirez]

Just a month or so ago, there were about 300 motorists stranded in a blizzard , some for almost 3 days. You should always have a winter survival kit with you, if you run out of gas you will need a way to produce heat.

Here is a good list , I keep a large coffee can and about 30 large (8 hour burn time) tealights in the trunk of my car, plus blankets etc.

vehicle kit (http://www.peelregion.ca/pw/roads/winter-maint/faq-survive-kit.htm)

[David Craik]

That is a very good list. I would add, dependant on one's local laws, a hatchet or machete and a smaller knife. A "survival kit" that doesn't include an edged tool isn't a survival kit. I have used my KA-BAR machete (http://www.amazon.com/Ka-Bar-2-1248-2-Cutlass-Machete/dp/tags-on-product/B001H53Q80) to hack down a stump I was high-centered on, and also cut down saplings to place under the tires for traction.

Also wire (like .032), duct tape/electrical tape, and a tube of 5-minute epoxy or quick-setting JB Weld. These are invaluable for a myriad of emergency repairs. If you have an older vehicle I would recommend a pair of women's pantyhose, you can make a makeshift alternator/water pump belt in a jiffy with this. A lot of more modern vehicles have large serpentine and grooved belts though now, so your "Leggs" belt may not work. A can of Ronson butane fuel is not only a good fire-starter, but can be used to "blow" a tire back onto the rim if it has separated. A few cans of Fix-a-Flat is also a good addition, as is a large jug or two of water. Those tea-lights are a great idea.

As with self-defense, a big key is prevention. Ensure you check out your vehicle thoroughly and that it is properly maintained before going on a long trip or in hazardous weather. Make sure people know where you are going and about when you should get to your destination.

[Abbax8]

Just like we say in MA, the best defense is not getting into the fight, in winter weather, check before you leave.

My daily commute to work is 18 miles and takes me 1000 vertical feet up Cresson Mountain. It can be 45 degrees and sunny at home and blizzard conditions 15 minutes down the road. Penndot has traffic cameras that I check on the internet before leaving.

I put my snowmobile suit in the car and usually leave it there all winter. Also a pair of boots, if I'm not wearing them.

The other above suggestions are right on the money.

Dennis

[David Craik]

Checking the traffic cameras is a damn good idea for such a trip, I never thought of that. I also forgot to add that I always have a pair of sturdy leather gloves in the vehicle, and not just for cold weather. Anyone that has had to dig out a stuck tire or repair a leaking coolant hose next to a hot engine block can appreciate this. Also, if you have to change your tire or perform other maintenance they will keep your hands clean so you don't arrive at your destination looking like a grease-monkey. :D

[Tripitaka of AA]

I just bought a little wind-up torch which I will keep in the car.

Draper waterproof wind-up torch (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Draper-45943-Waterproof-Wind-up-Torch/dp/B001FVNJR4/ref=pd_bxgy_light_text_b)

Do you find torches useful, or are they a needless luxury that soon runs out of battery power and wastes valuable space? This one is pretty small and the lack of battery requirement made it sound attractive. I haven't given it much use, but I don't intend to use it often.

[Ramirez]

I just bought a little wind-up torch which I will keep in the car.

Draper waterproof wind-up torch (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Draper-45943-Waterproof-Wind-up-Torch/dp/B001FVNJR4/ref=pd_bxgy_light_text_b)

Do you find torches useful, or are they a needless luxury that soon runs out of battery power and wastes valuable space? This one is pretty small and the lack of battery requirement made it sound attractive. I haven't given it much use, but I don't intend to use it often.

Torches (flashlights to us North Americans) are essential. I have a bunch. I try to buy ones that run on AAA or AA batteries so I can steal batteries from the remotes, kid's toys etc. My suggestion is get the LED types, they run on less power and the bulbs burns for thousands of hours.

[jjaje]

Bought some bright orange fleece in a fabric store, Scouts put it in an emergency kit on campouts, and can go in a car emergency kit. Gloves are a great idea. Sterno cans for melting snow and boiling, don't forget a lighter or matches. Some trail food. The small shovel (see the knife thread) is an excellent tool.

If talking winter and the chance of being stuck in a car, extra socks and cap can be a great help. Tea, coffee or hot cocoa to go with the food. Make sure you have your cell phone charger. Small amount of salt and kitty litter are heavy but may be worth the weight.

Don't forget something for the boredom. A book or magazine can help keep the spirits up a little.

[David Craik]

If you have to melt snow for water, you may be surprised how little water you get. You gotta do what you gotta do, but i'm just sayin'.

Better than this guy:

http://www.hispanicallyspeakingnews.com/notitas-de-noticias/details/man-84-survives-5-days-in-arizona-desert-drinks-windshield-wiper-fluid/5326/

If you are driving through the desert FFS take a jug of water or two. Not just for drinking, but if your car overheats or springs a leak fresh water can get you to the next town. Next to tools or repair materials, water is the most important thing you can carry. Even in an urban or sub-urban environment. Last year sitting in traffic my truck's temp almost hit the shutdown point and I was able to keep going because I had a case of spring water in the back.

This isn't really a "survival" situation but it could have been in other terrain. Always have some water.

[Brian R. VanCise]

Water is a huge thing to have! Very, very important! ;)

[Ramirez]

yep, an over supply of water will soon correct itself, judge how much you need and double it.