Tips for Winter Survival in Your Car
Surviving in your car during the winter isn't something everyone thinks about; however, should you slide off the road or even if your car breaks down, it might be some time before someone can get to you, especially if you're on a road trip away from cities and towns. Even if your vehicle is older you can easily survive a night or more out on the road.
The items you need for winter survival should always be in your vehicle, even during warmer months. If you are ever ordered to evacuate because of something Mother Nature throws your way, these items are just that much less that you have to worry about grabbing when you're in a rush.
First Aid Kit
You may already have a first aid kit in your vehicle. However,
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It also comes in handy if your children injure themselves on the road. Check the kit every four to six months to ensure that nothing has expired and to ensure that nothing has been used and not replaced.
Food and Water
Store nonperishable high-energy food in a kit – you can pick up small bins with snap on lids to store things such as granola bars, chocolate (in cooler temperatures), jerky, dried fruits and vegetables, nuts, peanut butter and other favorites.
You should also have at least 1 liter of water in the kit for each person. If you can fit more for longer road trips or trips you know you are going to be away from civilization, it's a good idea. Be sure you rotate the water every month. And, if it's cold where you keep your vehicle – outside or in a garage, you may want to bring the water inside until you're ready to leave so that it doesn't
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Even during the summer, if you have to get out in the rain to change a tire, you'll be thankful for the extra clothing or even a blanket so you can dry off. During the winter, be sure to have extra gloves, a hat and a scarf. You'll probably already be wearing a winter coat during the winter, so a rain slicker that will fit over the coat should be in your kit. These can help protect you from the wind in addition to keeping you dry.
Additional Items
In addition to food, first aid, water, clothing and blankets, you should also have matches in a waterproof container, safety reflectors, a flashlight, extra batteries and fire starter. Use dryer lint in a toilet paper tube for fire starter. Keep it in a separate zipper bag.
Mechanical Tips
Now is the time to get your vehicle checked by a certified technician to ensure that nothing is worn out or on the verge of breaking down. While this isn't a guarantee that nothing will break, technicians can let you know if there is something that is coming up so you can head it off at the