CAR SURVIVAL STUFF LIST

From: monta@vt.edu (Monta Elkins)
Newsgroups: misc.survivalism
Subject: Car survival "stuff" list
Date: Tue, 4 Oct 1994 22:59:21

I been putting together an in-car list of survival supplies.
My "threat scenario" is overnight in the car in the snow/ice with
my wife and child.

I assume that I will not be "that" far from rescue, that is to
say I expect to be rescued the next day. I hope to fit it all in
an ammo can.

Here's the list in no particular order.
------------------------------------------------------
2 candles and holders (light and minor heat source)
matches 
water (or juice boxes)
cloth gloves (for working in cold weather)
alcohol (for minor injuries)
band-aids
"ace" bandage

Ice scraper (so I can see where I'm stuck :) )
rubber gloves (I might be called to assist someone else who is
injured)

pocket knife
wire or string
3 space blankets 
cheap flashlight
hard candy (to quite the stomach and soothe the throat)
$1.00 in quarters (for phone calls)
flares

paper, pencil, pen (to leave messages)
toilet paper
acetaminophen or ibuprofin
duct tape (to seal any air leaks; misc. stuff)
3 rain ponchos (in case we have to walk in precipitation)

An extended list might include (out of the ammo can)
---------------------------------------------------------
Blankets, coats,boots,large "overpants" (prob. cammos),gravel,
am/fm battery radio, food,gas,more water the summer list might
include bug spray, sunscreen, sunglasses.

Any comments.

(The kitchen sink WON'T fit in an ammo can, one of my goals...]

-Monta monta@vt.edu

My $0.02 :

1) don't buy a "cheap" flashlight.  They can't take the abuse. 
Buy a better grade waterproof flashlight, moisture and dirt won't
ruin the switch.  I can't prove it, but I'll swear batteries
don't store as long in a cheap flashlight.

2) carry candybars, breakfast bars, dried fruit, etc.  You will
need more than hard candy for overnight in subzero conditions.

3) first aid kit for your car.  
   Extra oil & antifreeze     
   basic tools (vise-grips, screwdrivers, small socket set)
 
 WD-40 (a frozen throttle cable is a bitch at -50 windchill) 
 starting fluid / A tow rope or chain / SHOVEL/ Gravel.

4) Learn to improvise.  Can you make a motor oil lantern?  Do you
know how to fix a radiator with bubblegum, beer cans, and baling
wire? 

5) Know your limits and STAY CALM.  It is amazing how little some
people think in emergencies.  A few years ago a guy that worked
at the local weather station, the guy that always said to stay in
your car if stranded in a blizzard, froze to death...he tried to
walk for help after going in the ditch.  

I'm done prechin' now / Chris Seagren the truth is out there...