Survival Kit
Now that the North East is inundated with a blizzard, perhaps you'll read what should have been in your car. The people stuck on Interstate 81 could have used the items listed below.
Here's a list of ten things you always need in your car! Read and take heed!
Whether you live in Boston, North Carolina, California, or Florida, everyone needs to keep a winter survival car kit in the trunk / back seat. Many would question the Florida winter survival kit, but there are dangerous times year-round for the snow birds who flock to sunny lands during the winter. The Californian also faces many different climate changes as one travels from one part of his state to another and possibly fighting off fires, floods, heat, or snow. What remains constant is the threat that one can be stranded in a car because of some disaster, be it fire storm, flood, snow, heat wave, hurricane or national emergency. To alleviate the fear that accompanies a driver during perilous times, one should build and carry along a survival kit that contains the following essentials:
1. Several silver/gold survival space blankets used by astronauts and easy to find. They are very compact and shelter you from heat, wind, water, and cold. They are also used to reflect so others can find you.
2. Flashlights and batteries-one for inside the car and one in the trunk. One flashlight should be a portable radio that can be hand wound if necessary. This way you will always have access to light and to the outside world. You can find these in WalMart, Target, and other stores.
3. A bag of sand/kitty litter-to use on fire and snow or as a barrier in flood or stream; also sand is used to make the back end of the car heavier for better traction.
4. A water filtration bottle. One for each person is best. These are found in various stores such as WalMart and Target, also.
5. Cell phone with car charger.
6. Waterproof gym bag with gloves, scarves, umbrella, matches, candles in heavy duty glass jars, extra candles, and food items: peanut butter crackers, nuts, dehydrated fruits, and any medication that has needs to be taken within 24 hours.
7. A collapsible shovel, needed to dig a fire pit or to dig out from snow storm. Also can be used to build a trench to protect oneself from fire or gasoline.
8. A red flag for emergency or flares.
9. Check all essentials like spare tire, jack, good tires, and coolant/antifreeze in radiator.
10. Two or three gallon- sized bottles of water and paper cups.
You can't go wrong if you think ahead and plan for a disaster. No matter where you drive there are potential dangers and the threat that your car needs to be your refuge for several hours or longer. It's always better to be safe than sorry.
