More Common Sense Ways to Survive Winter Emergencies

In my last post, I suggested 5 Common Sense Ways to Survive a Winter Snow Storm. In this and my subsequent posts, I will show you how to assemble a first-rate family Emergency Survival Kit that will prepare you and those you care about, to survive more than just being stranded in your car during a severe winter storm.

In the first post we discussed only the bare essentials. Things that you might already have around the house, and inexpensive items that you can easily find at the grocery or a large discount chain store. We already suggested:

• Keeping at least a half tank of fuel in you car.
• Carrying an old blanket, sleeping bag or survival warmer.
• Packing a few energy bars and some water, to keep up your strength.
• Carrying a flashlight with extra batteries.
• Keeping a small shovel and a cell phone charger handy, in your car.

If you carry the bare essentials described above, you will have heat, from you cars heater, and the blankets; have food and water, to maintain your energy; have a means of escape if stuck in a ditch or a snow drift; and have emergency lighting for signaling and if you’re not in too remote an area, you’ll be able to charge your cell phone and communicate with the outside world.

For an even better kit, grab an old file box, crate or an inexpensive cloth bag and add these things to your basic kit.

• Waterproof matches, a few cans of Sterno, or small candles - for extra heat and light.
• A basic first aid kit and 2 or 3 days worth of emergency medications.
• Extra clothing, like dry socks, hats and gloves - to change into.
• A knife - For whatever.
• Emergency flares or a distress banner - signaling passers by.
• Booster cables, a tow rope or chain - battery drain and towing
• A few 1-gallon sized Ziploc bags containing cat litter or highway salt - icy road traction.

Use additional Ziploc bags or any other water proof containers to store flares, food, water and batteries, SEPARATELY.

Make sure you keep your kit in a readily accessible location. Avoid places you might have a hard time accessing during an emergency. If others regularly travel with you, consider increasing the quantities of blankets, food, water, first aid and medications your kit contains.