Car Survival Kit

At the Survival Center we always have emergency supplies in any vehicle we drive. Even if we fly we always take along a Survival Kit.

This kit fits most road emergency situations. All items are packed in a heavy-duty backpack with extra space for additional items. Kit contains: 2400 Calorie Food Bar, 30 Minute High-Intensity Light Stick, Tow Rope, Jumper Cables, First Aid Kit, Flashlight with Batteries, Fire Extinguisher, Emergency Survival Bag ( mylar type ) Solar Blanket, Waterproof Poncho, Swiss Style Army Knife, Flat Tire Fixer, Drinking Water, Leather Gloves, Whistle, Duct Tape, Utility Knife, 12 volt Trouble light with clips for your cars battery, Emergency Instructions and Help Sign, Wet Naps Hand Cleaner. $89.95 + s&h.

In addition to the Car Survival Kit we all have our personal Survival Kits. Each person’s kit has at least Three Days of food and water. We prefer 1-2 weeks of food and water. In cold climates have extra wool/wool blend blankets, winter boots, hat, gloves, insulated outer coat with hood for all travelers. Our personal Survival Kits have at least the following items in them:

Emergency Drinking Water Packets, (3) MRE Complete Meals (2) Emergency candles (1) Sierra Cup (1) Emergency Poncho (1) Emergency Blanket (1 Bottle 50) Water Purification Tablets (1) Compass (2) Disposable Hand Warmer (1) Canteen - 1 quart (1) Gloves, Pair, work (1) Eating Utensils - (fork, knife, spoon) (1) SunBurst Mega solar/dynamo hand crank Flashlight - AM - FM Radio - with AC/DC Adapter (1) First Aid Kit (1) Nylon Cord (1) Wind & Water Proof Matches (1) Tissues (1) Roll Toilet Tissue (1) Can Opener - GI Type (1) Whistle (1) Magnesium Fire Starter (1) Knife (Swiss Army Type) (1) Butane Lighter (1) FM 21-76 U S Army Survival Manual (1) Pocket Soap (1) Small Stove & Fuel (1) Folding Scissors (2) Light Sticks (1) Roll Duct Tape (2) Waste Bags and (1) Back Pack - to carry all your items in. $175.00 + s&h.

This is the one I travel with. I put it in a box and check it as luggage when I fly.

Car Trip Check List

Drive on the top half of your fuel tank.
Make sure you have good tires. Snow tires if going thru snow country.
Get a mechanic to do a winter check before winter. Make sure they look at your: battery & terminals, antifreeze, wipers, windshield fluid, ignition system, thermostat, lights, heater, brakes, defroster and oil.
Keep an ice scraper handy, a small broom, & shovel if you are expecting snow.
Flashlight and batteries. Especially one that is solar/dynamo powered so you need not worry about dead batteries.
Small tool kit. Including but not limited to pliers, interchangeable screw driver set, adjustable wrench, wire cutters, mechanics wire, hammer, small set of wrenches.
Booster cables.
Bottled water.
MRE’s ( meals ready to eat ) & emergency food bars ( 2400 - 3600 calorie ).
Small bag of sand/kitty litter to use as traction under your tires.

What if I get stuck?

Stay in the car. Only leave the car if help is visible in 1/8 mile or less.
Display a brightly colored cloth or other sign of trouble outside your car.
Turn on the car’s engine for about 10 minutes each hour. Run the heater and turn on the inside light when the car is running to help keep warm.
Beware of carbon monoxide poisoning. Clear the exhaust pipe of snow and if necessary open a downwind window for air.
Watch for signs of hypothermia. That includes loss of feeling and pale color in the skin.
To keep warm, do exercises, huddle together and use newspapers, maps and even inside car mats.
Wear loose fitting, layered, light-weight clothes.
Store wool/wool blend blankets or similar blankets in vehicle at all times.
Layers can be pulled off to prevent perspiration which can quickly turn cold near the body.
Cover your mouth. That protects your lungs.
Keep dry.
Stretch out before you start physical activity. That can help you avoid strain.
Shovel only what you can lift with ease. Go slow.
If you feel yourself running out of breath, take a significant break.
In general you should take frequent breaks while shoveling especially if older.
Check the news or call friends for an idea of what shape the roads are in ahead of you.
If going on a long trip, check the weather for your destination and places along the way.
It could save frustration and even time to wait. Snow Plows could clear roads and sunlight may melt ice.
Let a trusted friend know your route and ETA ( estimated time of arrival ) Call them when you arrive.

Someone in your group is Getting Too Cold

Seek immediate help if at all possible.
Slowly warm the persons body, starting with their torso.
Warm up arms and legs last because stimulation of the limbs could send cold blood to the heart and cause heart failure.
Put the person in dry clothing and wrap their whole body with a blanket ( one reason to store wool/wool blend blankets and emergency mylar type blankets ) if possible. Use your own body to warm them.
Do not give them anything with caffeine or alcohol in it. Caffeine speeds up the heart and can intensify the effects of cold weather. Alcohol slows down the heart and therefore also speeds up some effects of cold weather.

This, of Course, is a minimal suggestion list. Common sense should prevail. Think and plan ahead. Survival Supplies/Kits Catalog available from The Survival Center 1-360-458-6778. Click here for The Survival Center's Web Site Home Page

Sources: AP, FEMA, The Survival Center

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