Winter Car Survival Kits

Daisymum · **Winter Car Survival Kits**

For those of you who live in cold areas, what do you keep in your car incase of an emergency. After what happened to the Kims in Oregon, I am really packing the van with anything I might need. Just this morning in a storm I passed a car that was so far into the ditch, all you could see through the snow was the top. Any ideas??

vioburn · 12-08-2006, 04:34 PM

Flashlight with batteries, 1-2 gallons of water, high protein snacks, space blanket, candles (for warmth, but be extra careful with these in a car), a small first aid kit and car emergency kit with jumpers and those reflector triangles. Maybe a sign to hang from the window that says "HELP NEEDED". Also, keep a cell phone charger in the car so your cell can stay charged and you can call for help, if you have a signal. Even without a signal, sometimes a tower can still pick up your location. If I think of anything else, I'll post it.

Simplemom · 12-08-2006, 06:31 PM

Sorry, but what happened to the Kims in Oregon?

deemom · 12-09-2006, 08:02 AM

They were going home after Thanksgiving and got lost. It was a man, woman, baby, and another child. I think they all stayed in the car a week when the husband left for help. Other people in the area found his tracks and followed it back to the car where the 3 of them were rescued. he was later found dead

desertmom · 12-09-2006, 08:13 AM

When we lived in the cold, we always put sand in our trunk during the winter. It gave the back end extra weight to prevent sliding around, plus, if needed, we could put it down under the tires for traction when stuck. A small shovel, too. Fresh water and energy bars. Pantyhose in case a hose breaks.

stevesgal · 12-09-2006, 08:35 AM

We have some what of one. Cat liter (to give extra traction when stuck), some snack foods (crackers, etc.), 2 gallons of water, extra cell charger, flashlight and a few other things (we also have the thing that breaks your window and can slice through your seatbelt- which is good to have with how many rivers, streams and lakes are around here!). I recently saw a commercial where a mom and her son were in a parking lot trying to go somewhere and the battery was dead. She pulled our this "battery charger" and plugged it into her lighter and was able to charge up her battery. I think that would be great if it works! I want to check into that.

MaDuncan · 12-09-2006, 11:27 PM

I just have a kit, that I got at costco. Other than that nothing, but I dont really ever go anywhere where I could be lost. I think I will throw some of your ideas in my SUV though.

3lynns · 12-09-2006, 11:34 PM

These are good ideas. I never even thought about what we would have in the car. We have right now an emergency kit which I do not even know what is in it???, small shovel, extra pair of boots, and 3 small blankets. I guess now thinking about it I would also throw in some extra clothing. The energy bars are a good idea and I never thought about gallons of water.

Thanks for the tips!

mhender · 12-10-2006, 02:25 PM

I think flares would have saved that family several times. In wooded areas, it's hard for a helicopter to see a snowed-over car. When you hear a helicopter in the area, you shoot off the flares.

morrismomaof2 · 12-10-2006, 03:55 PM

Anytime we travel in the winter dh thinks I am absolutely crazy b/c I always bring snow boots and stuff them w/ extra thick socks, lots of extra blankets/sleeping bags, extra clothing for everyone and lots of snacks and water. And now after what happened to the family in Oregon he doesnt think I am quite so crazy.