It's winter and what can be more important than staying warm and well, in and out of our homes?
It's always safe to have a survival kit in your car because you just never know! I remember the Blizzard of 1978 in Boston, it took us all by storm. I was lucky enough to get home but my roommate was not. People were stuck at work, school, and worst of all, stuck on the highways. Stuck in cold cars with no heat, no food and no where to go.
Chances are we won't have another Blizzard of 1978, but anyone can break down in a storm or in the cold, just anywhere.
Everyone should carry a Winter Survival Kit in their car. In an emergency, it could save your life and the lives of your passengers. Don't overlook the little things on our list like activities to keep everyone calm!
Here is what you need to make a DIY Car Survival Kit:
For Your Car:
- Windshield scraper
- Small broom
- A shovel
- Multitool
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Tow chain or rope
- Road salt, sand, or cat litter for traction
- Booster cables
- Tow chain or rope
- Fluorescent distress flag and whistle to attract attention
- Paracord
- Tarp
- Cell phone and cell phone adapter to plug into lighter
For Passengers:
- Blankets or sleeping bag
- Extra hats, scarves, socks and mittens
- Matches and small candles
- Pocket knife
- Water
- Hand warmers
- First aid kit
- Necessary medications
- Snack food including beef jerky, energy bars, raisins, and candy bars
- Large trash bags (use as poncho or shelter)
- Elastics and plastic bags (emergency boots, boot covers, more)
- Pencil and /or marker
- Pad of paper
- Activities (activity book, cards, more)
Optional:
- Towel or rags
- Battery powered radio
- Plastic poncho (small folded)
- Fuses for fuse box
- Plastic utility blanket
- Extra batteries
- Canteen
- Compass
- Crank Flashlight
- Duraflame log
- Thermometer
- Portable can size stove (backpack size)
Notes:
- Keep matches and candles in plastic bags or waterproof jars
- Put it all in a backpack or plastic storage bin
