Tuesday, August 29, 2017


Winter Emergency Kit


For your Vehicle




    Many of you that know me, may not know me very well; and are unaware that I teach wilderness survival skills along with bushcraft. Part of this mindset is daily, with being prepared as best as possible for things if they should happen. Given that we live in WNY we are fully aware of what Old Man Winter can put us though. Have you ever been stuck in your vehicle for more than 10 hours? Have you gone a week with no heat, running water or electric? Well, I have and can tell you no matter how prepared you are it sucks. My family has a few mottos we live by, one is: "No Power, No Problem", along with "Embrace the Suck, and Party On!" My wife rephrases the last one as, "Adapt and remain positive." 
     Every Fall Equinox my Wife and I take some time to go through the house. We look at what we have in the cupboards, what water we have on hand, what we would use or lighting, cooking, and warmth. After all, we have four children to keep safe. After we know that our house is pretty much set for winter we take the same mental process for each of our vehicles. My wife is on the road for work a lot and I am often the one responsible running children around. 
      This Blog post is to share with you some of the things you may wish to keep on hand in your vehicle. Its easy to take a rubbermaid tote and pack it full, but with what? Well, most people honestly pack all the wrong stuff. Lets have a chat about some things, and move on to an items list. 




Making a Winter Car Kit

     
 ~ There is no excuse not to be prepared for something you know could very well happen! 

   As stated, we live in WNY and we should be aware of the conditions here. You shouldn't hear about people dyeing in their cars, but it happens. The items you carry might not be for you. Ever see someone in distress and wish you were able to lend a hand? I would like to think that my Brethren in their obligations would remember them and act accordingly. So, first and foremost... Panic kills! I know that you are not all trained, or even skilled medically but remaining calm is your 1st priority. It's when you panic, and you make decisions without being able to think clearly or use rational thought that accidents can happen. So, stop; take a few deep breaths and breathe. Think for a few moments of what is you are faced with, and then act upon it. It's not the end of the world I assure you, but it could be the end of yours if you do something without thinking!

   Since this is based on a Winter situation, the number one priority is maintaining and regulating your bodies core temperature. If you are too cold, its moments away from hypothermia, especially if you're wet and there is wind. If you are doing something and you're sweating and its cold, and you can't take layers off; also just as deadly. Lets take a look at some warming ideas for your vehicle. 

These are just ideas, your needs may vary.

Clothing: 
extra winter gloves
extra winter hat
extra sweater and jacket
Safety reflective vest - few dollars: very cheap
extra scarf 
extra wool hiking socks, also liner socks
hand-feet warmers
heavy 100% wool blanket
heavy duty mylar space blanket (reflective)


    Now that we are warm, do we need to address any mechanical problems? If so your 1st option is your cell phone and calling a tow, a Brother, or family. You could get a backup cheap phone prepaid, or something and keep it charged. In case of a real emergencies, TXT wins, as its easier and faster on connection than calls. Do you have power cords for your devices in your car? What about a 'brick' to recharge your phone, or even a solar charger. 
    What if no one can get to you? It's best to let people know where you are exactly, and what your plan is. If you eventually have to get out of the vehicle and walk somewhere, keep someone up to date with any changes in location. It's generally best to stay with your vehicle, yes even for days. It's easier to spot a vehicle than a person, plus its a shelter from the elements. If you do leave it, call someone and leave a note that can be seen of when you left and what direction you were headed. 
    So, you're alone. Yay! Take a few minutes and enjoy the peace and quiet. Get your thoughts together, and relax. You're going to be fine. This is where I generally get something to drink, and grab a snack. Chill out for a few minutes and think about your current situation. If your health is fine, and you're just stranded be thankful and devise a plan. Ask yourself, "How long am I willing to stay here before I decide to get out and get to another place?" It could be a mall, a store, or other business. Take your time and think it through. 
    
~  Your next step would be to make your vehicle visible! Here are some options to do so.

Visibility:
Glow sticks
Road flares
Road reflective triangles
Flashlights
Many flashlights have strobe/s.o.s. options
A good headlamp. Why? Because it gives you hands free abilities so you can 'do-stuff'


    Make your vehicle visible, set up a perimeter around your car. I'm sure we have all been on the i90 at some point and have seen a car surrounded with either flares or triangles. The goal is to be seen and to alert other traffic/plows/resuce that you are there and also not to pass you by or hit you. After this has been established will you be changing a tire, working on the vehicle? What tools do you need? Do you have them with you already? 

Again, these are just ideas, your needs may vary.

Tow rope and or chains
tire iron and a jack
spare tire
packable/collapaseable snow shovel
snow brush/scraper
Jumper cables
~ battery thing
Wrenches
Pliers
Channel lock pliers
heavy duty zip ties
pry bar     
multi-tool
fix-a-flat
"heat"-rock salt
super glue/gel
gorilla tape
small wd40

* I'm sure there are many other items in this section you could add. 


    You might not need any of these items, though someone stranded may, and you could be a major help to them. Lets discuss some other things you'll want to have with you to make most situations more comfortable. 

    Are you comfortable? What about having something to drink and something to eat with you that is packed and ready to go. There are many options available & if you know anything about hiking/backpacking these things would be a good option. It is not the old fashioned military MRE's anymore; there is delicious, nutritious options that take minimal preparing or no preparing at all. Not having water, or drinks and snacks with you is foolish. Stop in a local Cabelas, Dicks, or EMS, see what they have and grab a few food items. I bet even Walmart sells some basic camping food items. Grab some sports drink powder, a few bag of tea, instant coffee, etc. Only you know what you like so set some stuff aside. Remember: 3 min without oxygen, 3 days without water, 3 weeks without food. Stay hydrated! 
     As for foods, you could easily throw in some sardines, caned tuna and the dreaded spam if ya wanted. Things like granola bars, or cliff bars are great options, as well is jerky. Your options end with your creativity. If you will be cooking food or boiling water thats another story and if such thing is desired you may wish to brush up on skills you may be lacking. There is very easy ways to boil water, and cook that you could achieve that take up no room at all. If this is of interest please by all means reach out to me and I will be sure that you and your family are prepared. 


    Lastly there are those items which don't fit into the other lists or might even be needed for all the lists, so here are some random items that I find are great to have. 

Extra items:

$Cash Money$ - Cash is King and can get you things, help, or be helpful for others. Keep $20-50 bucks stashed away in the car. (I keep mine in a cleaned out - empty Chapstick rolled up inside) Trust me, no one looks there. (They do now, damn-it!) 

Extra pair of Sunglasses. Go to the dollar store and grab a few pairs. Snow blindness can happen in just a few min. 

Note pad and a pen/sharpie/pencil. Sometimes you need to leave a note.

Extra batteries

Wiper Fluid

Gas & Gas Can/Funnel 

A few books to read. You could be there a while!

Those Hand/Feet warmers. They work even inside your clothing.

BIC Lighter

Chapstick - for the lips in he winter. Do you wear glasses? Take a dab on each lens on the outside, then buff it with something and they wont fog up on you! 

A good sleeping bag

*An Axe

*A good bow saw

*A knife (or two) 

* Your mileage may vary, you may be an outdoorsman, travel long distances, live rural, own a truck, etc. 


~ Neat Tip/Trick: Buy an Empty Spray Bottle from a Dollar Store and buy some 91% or higher Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol. Use it to spray on your windshield in those very stubborn icy patches that wont scrape off, and watch how fast it simply dissolves! (It's also highly flammable and can be used in many camping cook stoves) 


     You may also choose to have a Bug-Out kit packed with out items if you are an outdoorsman. Besides that, be sure to have a basic First Aid Kit, and any extra medications you may need such as back up inhalers, rolaids, allergy pills, epi-pen, asprin/pain killers, and other things of that nature. If you have children and there is any chance they could be stranded with you. Remember- stay calm! If they see you stressed or worried, they will act the same; but for them it is by far more traumatizing. With that, throw a few toys or stuffed animals in the car. A coloring book or activity book. Books for them, plays games to pass the time. Tell stories, and keep them calm. Sometimes even explaining what is going on calmly will also help you stay calm and on point as you'll be reenforcing your thoughts before they are put into action because you'll hear yourself say them aloud. 

   Thank you for taking the time to read this, and stay safe out there! If you can help someone, by all means do so. If this type of information or even other "at home or wilderness survival information" is of interest to you, please reach out by e-mail, phone, or when you see me at Lodge as I am happy to teach one on one, or to groups/families. 





  


* Important Note:
 Do not consume alcohol thinking it will warm you up. It actually thins the blood and speeds up the process of hypothermia. Save it for celebration when you get home, because by then you'll have earned it. 


Here are some Books you might enjoy:

Bushcraft 101: A Field Guide to the Art of Wilderness Survival by Dave Canterbury http://www.amazon.com/Bushcraft-101-Field-Wilderness-Survival/dp/1440579776/ref=zg_bs_864488_1

Advanced Bushcraft: An Expert Field Guide to the Art of Wilderness Survival by Dave Canterbury  http://www.amazon.com/Advanced-Bushcraft-Expert-Wilderness-Survival/dp/1440587965/ref=zg_bs_864488_3




When All Hell Breaks Loose: Stuff You Need To Survive When Disaster Strikes by Cody Lundin   http://www.amazon.com/When-All-Hell-Breaks-Loose/dp/142360105X/ref=pd_bxgy_14_img_y 


SAS Survival Handbook, Third Edition: The Ultimate Guide to Surviving Anywhere by John 'Lofty' Wiseman    http://www.amazon.com/SAS-Survival-Handbook-Third-Edition/dp/0062378074/ref=pd_sim_14_3?ie=UTF8&refRID=13HDJXZPHQV14J8KDJH6&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL320_SR206%2C320_


Shelters, Shacks, and Shanties: The Classic Guide to Building Wilderness Shelters (Dover Books on Architecture) By D.C. Beard   http://www.amazon.com/Shelters-Shacks-Shanties-Wilderness-Architecture/dp/0486437477/ref=pd_sim_14_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=1K2DCYFDSVNTYR65G8WJ&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL320_SR202%2C320_


SAS Urban Survival Handbook: How to Protect Yourself Against Terrorism, Natural Disasters, Fires, Home Invasions, and Everyday Health and Safety Hazards by John 'Lofty' Wiseman  http://www.amazon.com/SAS-Urban-Survival-Handbook-Terrorism/dp/1620877112/ref=pd_sim_14_7?ie=UTF8&refRID=0611Z5YKY07MM6K9BBAM


Primitive Skills and Crafts: An Outdoorsman's Guide to Shelters, Tools, Weapons, Tracking, Survival, and More by Richard Jamison   http://www.amazon.com/Primitive-Skills-Crafts-Outdoorsmans-Shelters/dp/1602391483/ref=pd_sim_14_33?ie=UTF8&refRID=1MFK0AQBVK1BMEWFAPHN



Primitive Technology II: Ancestral Skill - From the Society of Primitive Technology by David Wescott   http://www.amazon.com/Primitive-Technology-II-Ancestral-Society/dp/1586850989/ref=pd_bxgy_14_img_y





The Outdoor Survival Handbook: A Guide To The Resources & Material Available In The Wild & How To Use Them For Food, Shelter, Warmth, & Navigation by Ray (Raymond) Mears   http://www.amazon.com/The-Outdoor-Survival-Handbook-Navigation/dp/0312093594/ref=pd_sim_14_3?ie=UTF8&refRID=01VVZEN65J3E9W6B7DBV&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL320_SR208%2C320_

















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