Vehicle Preparedness
Car, SUV and truck kits are simple and very practical. With winter driving conditions right around the corner and able to hit at any time it is a good time to make sure our emergency car kit and our cars are ready for winter driving.
Let us first look at what I like to call "my trunk kit". The trunk kit can be divided into two sets of supplies. The first is personal preparedness and the second is vehicle emergency (Stuck in the snow, flat tires ... you know that stuff.)
If you find yourself stranded your goal is to be safe and warm when rescued. The first step in staying safe until rescued is to stay in your car if at all possible. (Sound familiar? Like staying in your home in a neighborhood emergency.) Have enough supplies for those you are likely to have with you (like the kiddos!).
Here is a suggested list of emergency personal emergency supplies:
1) Extra set of warm clothes including: socks, gloves/mittens, hat, jacket/sweatshirt (hunter orange has it's uses here), insulated boots, long undies.
2) Blanket and or sleeping bag, chemical hand warmers.
3) At least one bottle of water for each person and pet. Hand wipes.
4) Charging cord for you phone.
5) Food that will NOT cause thirst. (Salted nuts stay at home.)
Useful food might include: coast guard emergency food bars (available at Walmart for a couple of bucks), breakfast bars and complete nutrition bars. "Protein bars" are not really what we are after here. We want carbohydrates and as little salt or sodium as possible. Carbs are you body's energy currency NOT protein. Carbs will also help keep your metabolism up and thereby creating body heat. Sodium creates the feelings of thirst and can misdirect needed water from useful areas inside you. If by chance you include some sort of canned food in your kit, be sure you have an easy way of opening it. MREs are out if they need heating or cooking. Dehydrated foods? Forget about 'em.
6) A small duffel or similar to keep it all in.
For me the reality was easy. The only item I bought was the coast guard emergency food bars. The rest was easily gleaned from home. Just think of "warm, water & food", WWF. You may even include a deck of cards or other non-electrical entertainment.
Here is a suggested list for the vehicle:
(And no my warm weather friends, four wheel drive is not invincible! In practical fact, it is often at the root of many winter accidents and dismayed upside down drives in the ditch.)
1) Flares or reflectors to warn others and to signal for help.
2) Tire chains, tow strap, jumper cables, standard first aid kit.
3) Sand or non-clumping kitty litter for traction, or a GI shovel if you think you really want to dig out.
There you have your emergency kits, done.
Make your vehicle ready
In addition to the emergency kits, be sure to check your vehicle now and before any road trip to make sure it is in safe operating condition.
- Windshield wiper fluid
- Heater and defroster
- Wiper blades
- Antifreeze
- Lights
- Fuel system and a full tank of gas
- Ignition
- Exhaust system
- Tire treads and pressure
- Battery and brakes
The bottom line: spend your family time this winter making snow men, not becoming snow men!
Make sure your kit is stocked with the items below. Headed to the store? Download the printable version here to take with you. Once you take a look at the basic items consider any special needs your family might have, such as medicines, seniors or pets.
Basic Emergency Kit:
72 Hour Emergency Kit
Build a Kit
Basic Emergency Kit:
- Water - 1 gallon per day for each person, water purification (Life Straw, iodine tabs etc)
- Food - At least a three day supply of non-perishable food (see below for sources)
- Mess kit with cup, fork, spoon and knife
- Battery powered or hand crank radio
- Flashlights/lantern
- Extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Plastic whistle to signal for help (metal whistles may freeze to your lips)
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
- Manual can opener
- Local maps (internet may be out)
- Cell phone with solar charger
- A means to defend your family and gather food
- Multi tool, wind & water proof matches
- Sleeping bags, emergency tent and warm clothing
Additional Items
- Glasses, contact lens solution
- Cash or traveler checks
- Important documents such as health insurance cards, identification and back account information saved electronically in a water proof container
- Paper and Pencil
- Books, games and puzzles for children
Kit Storage Locations
Home: In a designated place and have it ready to leave on short notice
Vehicle: (See above post)
Work: Be prepared to be sheltered at least 24 hrs. Your work kit should include food, water and others necessities such as walking shoes, medicines, stored in a "grab and go case".
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