Build A Winter Survival Kit, Then Hope You Never Have To Use It.

photo by Ansik, Flickr Creative Commons

Growing up on the blustery plains of North Dakota, my parents always made sure we had a “winter survival kit” in our cars.  In fact, it’s the same reason we got a “mobile phone in a bag” to take with us in the car way back in….the mid-90’s.  Yikes!  Talk about the stone ages.

Of course, with today’s cell phones, you will likely be able to reach someone right away if you ever were to get stranded in stormy weather.  But what if your cell phone is dead?  What if the roads are too bad for anyone to come rescue you?  What if your husband is playing video games so loudly at home that he doesn’t hear his telephone ring and doesn’t pick up?  There are many “ifs” in life, so you might as well be prepared for the worst.

A winter survival kit can be thrown together in a sturdy plastic storage container, and should contain items that will prepare you to walk to safety in bad weather or to stay warm and safe in your vehicle until help arrives.  Consider including the following:

*A pair of old ski/snow pants – just in case you get stranded while wearing a dress or skirt.

*A pair of heavy snow boots - again, just in case you happen to be wearing high heels when you get stranded.

*Things to keep you warm:  A stocking cap, scarf, wool socks, heavy gloves, sweatshirt/jacket, and blanket – in case you need to walk to safety or stay warm in your car for several hours.

*Energy bars and a bottle of water – in case you have to sit and wait for several hours in your car for help to arrive.  The bottle of water can be re-filled with snow if need be.  Yes, the energy bars and water will probably be kind of nasty from sitting in your winter survival kit for weeks or months, but if you are in an emergency situation, they will do.

*Tin coffee or popcorn can, unscented candle, roll of toilet paper, and some matches – The coffee/popcorn can acts as a base for lighting the candle.  While it won’t give off a ton of heat, it should keep you from freezing to death while also providing some light.  The can may also be used as a toilet.

This is all kept in a plastic storage bin that is moved into my car each year with the first snowfall.  When spring comes, I take it out and store it in my basement.  I’ve never had to use my winter survival kit (thank goodness), but simply having it brings me and my family peace of mind.

[Via http://plaingoodsense.wordpress.com]