Winter survival/vehicle break down kit

[RGR.Montcalm]

Although its not 'really' fieldcraft, i thought i would bring up the subject of winter survival/vehicle break down kit:

One of the things i see over and over is the family that takes the wrong road and ends up in a snow drift/snow storm/ someone goes for help and dies /gets severe frost bite.

My purpose for this thread is to identify techniques and supplies that can be easily carried in the family car to alleviate the situation /assist in survival and rescue/recovery.

1- Assume and plan for the worst weather possible on your route.

2- Make sure the vehicle is mechanically sound and never let the gas get below 1/2 tank if there is a chance of snow/ severe cold WX on your intended route

3- Brief someone at the beginning of your trip (neighbor/friend/family member) and someone at your destination about;

a- your route,

b- estimated time of arrival

c- make sure to check in with them upon completion

4- Have adequate jackets/boots/gloves/hats(knit/PT) for every one in the vehicle

5- Survival kit:

Water- enough for everyone for at least 3 days

Food- high energy foods- you can burn up to 5500 calories in very cold weather-don't use dehydrated food- it takes water to make and that will become the vital resource first

Candles- a a small candle can heat the interior of a car above freezing and depending on the size burn 8-10 hours- make sure to crack a window to vent the fumes.

Road flares- for signalling or for starting a signal fire/survival fire

Strike anywhere matches or hurricane matches in a waterproof container

A brick of cheap lighters

'Survival' blankets- mylar conpressed reflective blankets- reflect up to 90% body heat and are good for signalling searchers rescuers.

International orange material- 3 pieces 2' x 8'- can be purchased at Wal mart fabrics- for signalling ground to air

A collapsible shovel- for digging now from under vehicle/creating snow shelter/ digging cat holes

5 gallon bucket and trash bags- field potty :biggrin:

Baby wipes and toilet paper ;):biggrin:

Thunder blast whistle

3 'D' cell Maglight with 2 extra sets of batteries


Most of these items minus the food and water can be stored in the 5 gallon bucket with a lid- availble at Home Depot and Lowes

pre execution checks include checking flash lights for battery strength/ corrosion.

Y'all's thoughts??

[rgrdrew]

Bag or two of kitty litter or similar material to help traction/getting "un-stuck", also adds weight to the vehicle

Knife/multi-tool of some type

[ktek01]

I chose plan B, move south. :biggrin:

The kit and advise is still good for Hurricane or other disaster preparedness.

[GackMan]

Y'all's thoughts??

Good list -

On food - it is ok to have canned food. Go to Costco - case of chili, case of beef stew, case of cliff bars, case of water... bam! Now, you're ready to sit in your car for a couple weeks in the snow looking at your candle. Cheap and not complicated. You're not hiking up Mt Everest. You don't need super special austronaut food.

Have a smaller set of lightweight food to impliment an exfil plan if you need to.

Speaking of that - have a plan. Stay or go? If you are stuck in your vehicle in bad weather - you have shelter, food, water, heat, etc. Be prepared to think it through before you are in the situation - weigh the options before you take off hiking out versus doing a couple days of car camping until the weather breaks.

I'd add Chains to that list.

If you live somewhere there is real winter or travel where there might be - own chains.

- Make sure they are the right size for your vehicle's wheels.

- Make sure you know how to put them on.

- Make sure they are in good working condition once a year.

- Make sure you actually put them in the vehicle and not on a shelf in the garage. ;)

GPS - if you have a GPS in your car - learn to operate it so that you can get coordinates from it. That info might be a good thing to have in your pocket if you decide to walk out for help and leave your family with the car.

[The Fat Guy]

Good List!

Add a stainless steel J frame and box of ammo

Disposable cell phone

Exchange the Mag Light for a Surefire everything about it is brighter or smaller.

Tow strap, vs a chain.

Jumper cables

Never let your tank get below 1/2 full.

Damn, I am getting cold just thinking about it.

[GackMan]

Disposable cell phone


I'd add make sure you have chargers for your existing phone in your vehicle.

[Amarillo]

I am lacking in the food/water components, but I keep a folding shovel, jumper cables, Ice scraper w/brush and a backup.

[John6719]

Not really something to put in your car, but keep you SA up. If you all of a sudden hit white-out conditions and end up in a snowbank, you should have an idea of where and how far away the nearest farm place is at (if your in an area where there are farms within every few miles) and any danger areas in between (rivers, drainage ditches, etc..). And with that, don't take off walking in white out conditions unless you have a definite route marker (telephone poles) to follow. Don't count on knowing where the road is....it will disappear fast in the right conditions.

On the tow ropes, if you are going to put a rope/strap in your car instead of a chain, make sure it's big enough, have a way of connecting it to your vehicle, and inspect for tears or dry rot. I've broken more straps than I care to remember, some because they weren't big enough for the job, some because they were hooked improperly which allowed the strap to rub on something and tear, and some because they were old and dry rotted.

If I decide to venture out when I know it could get bad, I throw my snowmobile helmet in the car/pickup. It makes a world of difference if you end up walking somewhere or shoveling having your entire face covered.

[The91Bravo]

For the cell phone charger, there are super small wattage rollable solar chargers that are about $35 to keep the electronics operating.

Flashlight.. I agree with surefire, but also recommend the shakable to charge type with a couple spare bulbs.

Pen flare or even marine flare gun so if the helos get close you can get them to look in your direction.

If you are traveling through an area where the J-frame would be a no-go, get either a cheapo take down shotgun or the .22 survival rifle (stores in it's own stock)

DO NOT FORGET to store at least one week of your prescription meds in your kit, as well as the normal aid bag supplies.

Also store a good solid utility knife (not razor knife, but a knife with utility purpose) in your kit.

that's all I got so far

[24/7]

Kind of related - ?

When faced when making a decision to drive or not, I've found looking at DOT traffic cameras in the metropolitan areas on the expected routes provides a good real time look at the road conditions.

This proved very handy when I was planning to travel to Meade during the recent snow storms.

[RGR.Montcalm]

I forgot the first aid kit- not just band aids but bandages, slings, and something to splint with if necessary.

The reason for the maglite vs the sure fire was more about availability of spare batteries and bulbs.

You can pick up spare AA-D batteries at just about any convenience store/Wal mart/gas station. I agree the sure fire is better though- especially mounted under an M-4gery;):biggrin:

I keep small pieces (2' x 4') of carpet in the car to assist with traction. I use it pile side down.

Also, on my towstrap I have a 72 Kn snaplink (English = tensile strength 16,780 pounds) on each end. You can use the 'transportation' tie down ring on the back of most imports and it won't break free. I use it with a dedicated Class III reciever insert with a clevis on it instead of a hitch ball...

[Forestboy]

A coffee can with a roll of toilet paper in it with a couple bottles of rubbing alcohol will work as a field expedient heater/cook stove. When the toilet paper starts to brown add more alcohol, extinguish first, then add more. Make sure your windows are cracked to avoid thee carbon monoxide asphyxiation.

[ktek01]

Good list -
GPS - if you have a GPS in your car - learn to operate it so that you can get coordinates from it. That info might be a good thing to have in your pocket if you decide to walk out for help and leave your family with the car.

I remember reading an article not that long ago, about people getting stranded in the winter because of GPS. Something about hitting shortest or quickest route and it taking them down less frequently plowed back roads and logging trails they never would have thought to take if the GPS hadnt pointed them that way.

[SOTB]

A coffee can with a roll of toilet paper in it with a couple bottles of rubbing alcohol will work as a field expedient heater/cook stove....Great info, but it would be better if you had pics or a video to accompany it. So I found some more detailed instructions, with video on a US Army Ranger website (http://foodstoragemadeeasy.net/2009/04/22/coffee-can-heater/). Pretty cool stuff....

[JDAM]

So I found some more detailed instructions, with video on a US Army Ranger website (http://foodstoragemadeeasy.net/2009/04/22/coffee-can-heater/).

LMFAO!

[GackMan]

I remember reading an article not that long ago, about people getting stranded in the winter because of GPS. Something about hitting shortest or quickest route and it taking them down less frequently plowed back roads and logging trails they never would have thought to take if the GPS hadnt pointed them that way.

Yeah - I'd add to that "even if you have a GPS, bring a map of the area." I like the laminated trip maps. We have 3 in every vehicle (basically the entire west coast).

I meant that most GPSes will tell you "you are on logging road 342 and you are fucked" but many users don't know what to click to get a LAT/LON. If you need to hike out - an 8-digit grid is useful to know - even if you don't know what it means and are a map dummy - write it down. A rescuer will be able to use it.

I recall a couple that made the news in the NW. Both were let astray by the "scenic route" option on their GPS.

One, the husband tried to walk out after 3 days and died of hypothermia.

The other was on the Oregon / Nevada border and they couple had a well stocked SUV - they waited until the weather broke and drove themselves out.

[wandering_idiot]

A coffee can with a roll of toilet paper in it with a couple bottles of rubbing alcohol will work as a field expedient heater/cook stove. When the toilet paper starts to brown add more alcohol, extinguish first, then add more. Make sure your windows are cracked to avoid thee carbon monoxide asphyxiation.

To modify on that: 1) remove the cardboard roll(it won't fit otherwise).

2)use either Everclear or Bacardi 151 en lieu of the rubbing alcohol.

3)Make sure you have enough left over for yourself!

[Forestboy]

2)use either Everclear or Bacardi 151 en lieu of the rubbing alcohol.

3)Make sure you have enough left over for yourself!

I was going to add that, except drinking in the cold is not recommended. Unless you don't have to stay out in it. :biggrin:

[BrittleHair]

Saw or Axe to clear downed trees and/or collect wood if you have to stay put.

[Little Fix]

I have pretty much the same things as most people in the form of extra clothes, tow strap, first aid kit etc.

The one thing I don't see here but I use more than anything else is a headlamp. I am always using a headlamp around the vehicle for anything from changing a tire to digging under the seats for change.

[Ranger1]

Good thread.

I wouldn't worry too much about bringing dehydrated food. If you're snowed in, you're surrounded by water, you just have to wait a bit longer for chow.

Add:


a hand crank charger for your phone/electronics (solar panels won't work in a blizzard);



an airhorn;



a 5-10 gallon can of gas (spare fuel and fire accelerant);



small Coleman camp stove with a couple spare gas cannisters and a small cooking pot (the kind you just screw into the gas cannister and fold out the arms). You can buy them as a kit in a self contained bag for about $20. Safe to use in your vehicle as long as you crack a window for the first couple minutes. Heats up the inside of the vehicle without running the engine, melt snow, warm food, etc.


In a blizzard if you're in a remote area where you've gone off the road or get snowed in, you're not going to get any wood to light unless it's been under cover or you soak it with accelerant. Even then it's a challenge unless its been dry and it's the first freak blizzard of the season. I'd go so far if you have room in the trunk and you think there's a chance you're going to get snowed in, to keep a box of dry kindling/firelighters and a small bag of logs from the gas station.

With the can of gas you can also take your spare tire out, lay it in the side or middle of the road (let the air out so it doesn't pop), seperate the tire from the rim with the pointy end of your lug wrench so you can pour some of the gas inside, and get that burning a hell of a lot faster than wet/frozen wood, it will burn for 2-3 hours even in freezing rain and they'll see the smoke for miles once the heaviest snowfall abates. And you can use it to dry out damp/frozen wood and keep the fire going indefinitely. Used to do that snowmobiling along the powerlines in Maine as a kid using old donut spares we get from the dump. (Not for survival/rescue, bonfires were just the thing to do on a sled run). Works like a charm. You'll smell like burned rubber even after a half-dozen showers, but you'll be alive.

If you light yourself up, at least you'll have lots of snow to roll around in. :biggrin:

Last, for any of you lurkers taking notes from this thread, don't just go out and buy all this stuff and throw it in the trunk. Practice using all of it before the snow flies, and remember cold weather saps batteries. If it's really cold in your garage, Murphy will make your batteries screwed when you need them most. So don't just check them the night before.

[flhshvlhed]

a 5-10 gallon can of gas (spare fuel and fire accelerant);



small Coleman camp stove with a couple spare gas cannisters and a small cooking pot (the kind you just screw into the gas cannister and fold out the arms). You can buy them as a kit in a self contained bag for about $20. Safe to use in your vehicle as long as you crack a window for the first couple minutes. Heats up the inside of the vehicle without running the engine, melt snow, warm food, etc.


I'd go so far if you have room in the trunk and you think there's a chance you're going to get snowed in, to keep a box of dry kindling/firelighters and a small bag of logs from the gas station.

Good points - however, be careful w/ carrying 5-10gal of gas. If so, make sure that it is secured. If in a wreck and the container is breached - it can be very nasty - especially if you are trapped in the vehicle.

I keep a Coleman single burner gas stove w/ the aluminum pot in the box in the truck. W/ a gas vehicle, it's possible to siphon some fuel for the stove. Ref compressed gas stoves - unless the iso-butane ones - it could be difficult in extremely cold weather for them to have enough pressure to light. I've seen the iso-butane ones work at -10F. As a kid - we used to use the TP stoves on deer stands w/ isopropyl alcohol. They burn for hours and the alcohol won't go bad if left in original container.

For traction - sand/kitty litter/carpet runners or several shingles work well. A secondary for the carpet runners, is that one can use them as a creeper to get underneath the vehicle, if need be.

I keep several of the fire starter log things (2"x2"x6" compressed saw dust/parafin) for fire starters. That along w/ a some wooden army tent pegs from something like a GP small/medium. They appear to be oak and will burn a long time + can be used to get other wood started. Oh yeah - and road flares!

Ref cell phone - I keep a car charger in the cigaretter lighter, rather than trying to keep up w/ something else.

I keep an old wood handle e-tool and a machete. Sturdy and relatively inexpensive in case they get stolen.

I keep a bag w/ several pile/wool hats and several pairs of gloves in the back seat also. It's a bitch to change a tire at -30 w/o these things. Also - in case of seeing an accident - others can use them. I also keep a jacket or 2 and some mil-surp wool sweaters in there too.

Light - I keep a small headlight and 1-2 LED flashlights. Again - it's no fun having a mini-mag light stick to your lips or having slobber freeze as you are trying to change a tire/assess situation when extremely cold. I have gotten away from ALL incandesent bulbed lights - EVERYTHING has an LED. Longer/brighter light in a smaller package. One can keep a pack of AA or AAA's in the glove box just in case.

I keep a roll of electrician's tape on the turn signal. It can be used to repair ruptured radiator/heater hose. Also - when you PMCS your vehicle and change out the serpentine belt - put the old one under the front seat/trunk. You never know where Murphy will show up.

As stated - jumper cables, tow/snatch-em strap instead of chain. If used for extraction, it will store up and release energy more gradually, rather than a jerk from a chain. Not to mention, it's easier on both vehicle's body work and suspension components (if attached incorrectly) and whiplash on the drivers. :biggrin:

Spare fuses for the vehicle. Gas/diesel additive (HEAT/911), in case of moisture in fuel or gelling for diesels.

Although I hate texting and refuse to do it - the signal will travel better than voice comms, much the same as morse code vs voice for HF. Thus - if your phone plan has that capability it's another tool in the tool box.

These are things that readily come to mind, that I keep in my daughter's and my vehicle.

Oh yeah - and a 1st aid kit. I like the mil-surp type that go in HMMWV's, or an M-2 bag - space dependant.

[arizonaguide]

Many folks don't realize it, but any cell phone will successfully dial 911 if it's got power, even if it doesn't have a current service contract. As long as it is in an area where there's any kind of service (which is most of the USA now).

I carry my normal cellphone, but I also got a spare old Motorolla for the glovebox, at the thrift store for a couple bucks. I purchased a 12v. cigarette lighter adapter for it.

No service contract necessary, just plug it in and dial 911.

[Pharoe]

This is a great thread. I'm stationed at Fort Wainwright and all of these items are a must in your trunk during the winter months. Someone mentioned kitty litter and I can tell you first hand that is a great idea. Also if you can find some sort of strobe light for visual attention that will be great as well. Here in Alaska temperatures can drop as low as -50 and in some areas -60. When it gets that cold some things just won't work properly like air horns etc.. so the biggest thing to remember is visual signals Lights, flares, fires, strobes etc. Also include an extra dry set of clothing per person in the car. I also carry an extra standard issue sleeping gortex kit in my trunk.

Again great thread!!

[arizonaguide]

Always good too carry a spare good looking woman in pantyhose.

My buddy used his girlfrtiend's pair of hose tied across his waterpump pully to "limp" back to town (Anchorage) instead of being stuck out at -30F on the side of the road, when his fanbelt broke.

Always carry spare belts is the other option.

:cool:

[RGR.Montcalm]

Always good too carry a spare good looking woman in pantyhose.

My buddy used his girlfrtiend's pair of hose tied across his waterpump pully to "limp" back to town (Anchorage) instead of being stuck out at -30F on the side of the road, when his fanbelt broke.

Always carry spare belts is the other option.

:cool:

The panty hose is a good idea but unless the belt also ran his alternator- did he really need the fan belt since it was -30? Chances are that if he was worried about overheating the car, he could have just increased the amount of his radiator was exposed to the ambient temps...

Just sayin'...;):biggrin:

[arizonaguide]

It probably was as much about his alternator as his coolent circulation. Good point.
I always call all the belts "fan belts", but it may have been a serpintine belt that turned his alternator, etc.

I actually removed my Air Conditioning pump in Alaska, and got a smaller belt. No reason to lose horsepower turning a pump that you never use.

In the Arizona heat, (on my old Ford truck) I completely removed my thermostat so that the coolent rarely got above "warm". My Dad thought it needed to get to 180deg "hot" to help with fuel atomization, but I never noticed a loss of power/milage, and it was nice to have that old truck run "cool" even on the hottest trips across the desert.

I miss the old days when you could actually work on an old truck without a $10K computer diagnostics test stand. That's why my next rig is going to be a <1972 Truck (with a carburator, and that's about it).

(Ford, of course!) :cool:

But (for sure) spare belts (and the like) should be included in a vehicle breakdown kit.

[arizonaguide]

Also if you can find some sort of strobe light for visual attention that will be great as well. Here in Alaska temperatures can drop as low as -50 and in some areas -60. When it gets that cold some things just won't work properly like air horns etc.. so the biggest thing to remember is visual signals Lights, flares, fires, strobes etc.
Another signal idea I learned about on a Snomobile trip (near Susitna)...we saw this wierd light off in the distance, and had to check it out. After we got closer, we discovered a guy who's Snomobile broke down (probably a belt..;)) and he was signalling with a chemlight tied to a 18" string, and was spinning it in a circle. It was much more visable than just waving a chemlight, and also was "eary" enough to REALLY get our attention. It effectively made a signal 3' in diameter rather than just a small chemlight size signal.

I wouldn't rely completely on chemlights (throw in a flare or two), but it did make a good signal.

[JAFO]

Another signal idea I learned about on a Snomobile trip (near Susitna)...we saw this wierd light off in the distance, and had to check it out. After we got closer, we discovered a guy who's Snomobile broke down (probably a belt..;)) and he was signalling with a chemlight tied to a 18" string, and was spinning it in a circle. It was much more visable than just waving a chemlight, and also was "eary" enough to REALLY get our attention. It effectively made a signal 3' in diameter rather than just a small chemlight size signal.

I wouldn't rely completely on chemlights (throw in a flare or two), but it did make a good signal.

Probably a S.E.R.E. graduate. ;)

[arizonaguide]

Yes, Alaska has a way of being one BIG SERE school, winter OR summer! :biggrin:

Another cool thing to put in your Auto kit...

I got pissed off when my last battery died on my 12V 3-way cordless drill/sander/jigsaw kit, and since it was a 12v kit, I decided to just wire-in a cigarrette lighter adapter for emergency use in the car (ie: small handyman jobs, etc) and it's worked out well. You can add all kinds of grinder bits/wire brushes to the kit (drill part), as well as using it as a drill, saw, and sander. Always handy if you need to cut metal, or wire brush contacts clean...or whatever.
http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy70/arizonaguide/12vKit.jpg

I also have added the 12v. aux. power unit you see in the picture, allowing mobile use away from the car. Works well. Also threw in a Cigarette lighter USB charger and 12adapter in the kit, so that I can use it for a HUGE cellphone/computer battery as well. Although, the car battery itself will power the cellphone for quite a while.

Don't get me wrong...I've got REAL coordless tools...but this is perfect for the car, and better then throwing it all away when the last freakin battery dies (at the exact same time they quit making that model of cordless battery). :cool:

In cold weather, I'd keep the power unit up front, (and charging)...and warm. I wouldn't just throw it in the cold trunk in Alaska, and expect it to be a good backup battery. In AZ, I've got a blue LED plugged into it that provides extra light and lets me know it's charged. I also keep my eye on the "meter" lights.

A Hacksaw, duct tape, socket set, vicegrips, and a few spare welding rods/coathanger wires also get thrown in the trunk (with my carpentry toolbag that's always there)!

[arizonaguide]

Yes, Alaska has a way of being one BIG SERE school...
Ya know, my appologies for that statement, to folks that have graduated SERE school.

That's Alaska pride, and surely talking out my ass. :o