If you imagine for a second being trapped in the middle of nowhere like Robinson Crusoe from a renowned book but with no cash, phone, and a flat tire, wouldn’t you want to be prepared? Cold weather means low temperatures and blizzards and snowstorms that can make you fight for survival and overcome yourself to stay alive. But, of course, everybody knows that forewarned is forearmed, so here’s a look at the 11 must-have things you need to keep in your car to help ease your life in a survival situation.
11. Fire-starter
If you are not eager to spend hours rubbing two sticks together, make sure to have a lighter or a matchbox in a car trunk. It might also seem like a good idea to use a road flare to either make other drivers aware of you or start a fire. Besides, having a small candle in a container can also be a lifesaver in a challenging situation. If you end up stuck in an abandoned place with a car that wouldn’t start, lighting a candle can help raise and maintain a comfortable temperature inside your vehicle until help arrives.
10. Whistle
Whistles are undoubtedly on the list of essentials you should have in an emergency. Requiring minimal blowing effort, whistles can help you produce a thunderous sound saving your energy. Whistles can usually be heard from far distances and are great to capture somebody’s attention. Three blasts from a whistle is an internationally recognized distress signal.
9. Change of Clothes and Sneakers
It’s easy to forget about a proper outfit when you only have to walk from your car to the office or shops. However, if you need to push your car or change a tire under heavy snowflakes or pouring rain, remember that you can quickly get wet, so having a change of warm and comfortable clothes can be a good thing in a survival kit. A pair of waterproof shoes or gumboots might also seem a good idea when you have to leave your car and walk off-road searching for help.
8. Road Salt
Weather can sometimes be unpredictable, especially during winter — and it can throw you to a slippery surface when you’re on the road. However, a well-stocked emergency kit for your vehicle may help you plan for all kinds of disasters. For example, if you happen to get stranded in an ice area, here is the tip that can help you quickly pull out your car. Dump road salt on the ice, wait an hour, place a towel under one of the driving tires, and now you can quickly drag your car.
7. Blanket
Being prepared means being equipped with the proper supplies you may need in the event of any disaster. For example, if unpleasant circumstances last for several days, an actual blanket or a wrap can help you sleep at night and keep you warm.
6. Duct Tape and Markers
Since it was first invented, adhesive tape has proven to be helpful in multiple situations and extremely useful in emergencies. If it’s necessary to temporarily fix a small car part while on the road, the duct tape will hold that piece to your car until you reach the service station.
Markers or felt pens are great to create signs that are easily visible to passing drivers, even at night, so it gives a much better chance of being noticed when you’re stuck in the middle of the road. You can also place a sign on top of your car so helicopters can spot you when you’re stranded in remote areas.
5. Towel
When you pack your preparedness kit, don’t forget to put a survival towel inside. The best thing about a soft bath piece of cloth is that you can use it for multiple purposes: stop the blood flow from injuries, absorb the liquid, use it as traction to get your wheels unstuck, wave to signal, use it as a wrap to keep you warm, or just use it as a basic towel, if you happen to get wet from rain or snow.
4. Freshwater and Energy Bars
Freshwater is the most important thing a survivor needs to have. You can go for weeks without food but only a few days without water. That’s why it is necessary to have at least a three-day supply of water stored in your car trunk. Remember that staying hydrated should be your primary concern if you get trapped in a desolate area. However, having four to five energy bars in a car will keep you full and energized for days.
3. Cash
At first sight, cash might seem an optional piece among emergency preparedness supplies. However, if your wallet is lost or stolen, $50 can really be helpful to fill the car or buy some freshwater or food.
2. Fully Charged Phone
Keeping another phone can be a lifesaver to make an emergency call if your regular phone has a low battery or died. But don’t forget to check the charge from time to time.
1. Camera
If you want to prepare for all bad-case scenarios and unexpected events, then you may find this item very helpful. We all know that phones can sometimes let us down at the worst possible time. If you get in a car accident, it is better to have an additional camera on hand to record the damage or other important information.
Conclusion
So, when a disaster strikes you on the road, whether it’s a storm, a hurricane, or even a fire, a well-packed survival set may become a vital key to your rescue. The kit should be reviewed every few months, and expired items should be replaced to keep it up to date. Following all the tips above, on the days of outdoor adventures with your family, you can always be sure that in case of any challenging situations, you and your beloved people will stay safe and sound until help arrives.
