With the start of the holiday season and families traveling getting prepared for winter driving emergencies is a good idea, before you take off to visit. Anyone who has been stuck on the side of road in Oklahoma during one of those "where the hell did that come from" ice storms or snow storms will know this is a good idea!
I have carried a metal coffee can with a large candle, matches and blanket every winter since I can remember. I also have a pair of scissors and nylon cord in the back. I usually have some type of snack cracker in my vehicle all year. When I know there is a possible threat of bad weather I put in a container of cat litter. The following list is really a great idea and would make a nice "gift" for those you love. Just decorate the outside of the can to make it look like a gift.
Don't put it off, have your vehicle serviced for the winter driving season, and be prepared for those emergencies that can occur while traveling. Being prepared and knowing what to do is the key to survival.
Ever hear of a "coffee can survival kit"? Read on, you will be amazed at what you can put in one. You easily can equip your vehicle with essential survival gear for winter. Here's what you'll need:
A 3 pound metal coffee can. You'll be storing the other items inside the can.
(note metal coffee cans are hard to find...I have had mine for years.)
12 feet of nylon cord (parachute cord is great)
Candles (for melting snow in can).
Good quality pocket or camping knife, sharp (or substitute with scissors).
Surveyors tape bright orange (tie to antenna or door handle).
Several packets of dry soup, hot chocolate, tea, bouillon cubes, etc. (mixed into melted snow to provide warmth and nutrition).
Camping utensils. (knife, fork, spoon that fit into pouch)
Peanuts (provides protein) and fruit-flavored candy (orange slices, jelly beans, etc. - avoid chocolate, it can have a diuretic effect, which could cause you to become dehydrated).
Packets of honey. Energy bars.
Socks, gloves or glove liners, depending on what will fit in the can (cotton is not recommended because it provides no insulation when wet).
Camping matches in waterproof holder.
Mylar blankets.
1 pen light and batteries (keep separate).
Hand and foot warmer packets.
Plastic whistle.
When complete, place stocking cap over kit and carry in passenger compartment of car. Don't forget a good first aid kit, medicines', small radio, etc.
Other items you may want to keep in the vehicle:
Large plastic garbage bags.
Bottled water (caution this will freeze in the winter)
You may want to keep the survival kit in the passenger compartment in case you go into a ditch and can't get to or open the trunk. (This is the nice thing about driving a van...no trunk)
Leave a comment if you have any other tips for winter driving emergencies.
A 3 pound metal coffee can. You'll be storing the other items inside the can.
(note metal coffee cans are hard to find...I have had mine for years.)
12 feet of nylon cord (parachute cord is great)
Candles (for melting snow in can).
Good quality pocket or camping knife, sharp (or substitute with scissors).
Surveyors tape bright orange (tie to antenna or door handle).
Several packets of dry soup, hot chocolate, tea, bouillon cubes, etc. (mixed into melted snow to provide warmth and nutrition).
Camping utensils. (knife, fork, spoon that fit into pouch)
Peanuts (provides protein) and fruit-flavored candy (orange slices, jelly beans, etc. - avoid chocolate, it can have a diuretic effect, which could cause you to become dehydrated).
Packets of honey. Energy bars.
Socks, gloves or glove liners, depending on what will fit in the can (cotton is not recommended because it provides no insulation when wet).
Camping matches in waterproof holder.
Mylar blankets.
1 pen light and batteries (keep separate).
Hand and foot warmer packets.
Plastic whistle.
When complete, place stocking cap over kit and carry in passenger compartment of car. Don't forget a good first aid kit, medicines', small radio, etc.
Other items you may want to keep in the vehicle:
Large plastic garbage bags.
Bottled water (caution this will freeze in the winter)
You may want to keep the survival kit in the passenger compartment in case you go into a ditch and can't get to or open the trunk. (This is the nice thing about driving a van...no trunk)
Leave a comment if you have any other tips for winter driving emergencies.
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