[adam03]

May sound like a "Public Service Announcement" but its time to start thinking about winter and in-vehicle winter survival kits again...

Environment Canada is calling for a colder/snowier winter than normal in western Canada (La Nina effect) and this likely extends down into the mid-west USA. We have also seen the distress caused by last year's snowstorms that swept thru the southern US. If you MUST be on the road during bad winter weather (or even just travelling period in winter) you should have a survival kit in your vehicle. What follows is what I consider the minimum (modified from last year due to tips from this site )that should be kept in your vehicle if travelling in the winter. Snowstorms can hit just about anywhere and can wreck havoc on the highways (200 motorists stranded on a highway for 24 hours in Ontario Canada in Dec 10 during a major snowstorm and at least 1 died due to not being prepared)

Collapsible shovel (entrenching tool etc). To help dig yourself out or keep exhaust clear of snow if using heater to stay warm (carbon monoxide). If using heater to stay warm, run engine for 15-20 minutes, turn off for 20-30 minutes to stretch your fuel supply as long as possible. Remember to keep 1 window open just a crack for air circulation. By the way, can you off the top of your head say which side of your vehicle the exhaust is on???

Sandbag full of gravel, or my personal favourite, a 15 pound bag of kitty litter. To be used for traction to get unstuck;

Warm Blanket (or sleeping bag) for each vehicle occupant. If possible, all occupants should sit in back seat to utilize combined bodyheat if stranded;

Fleece top and bottoms for each occupant;

Warm hat, boots and gloves per occupant;

Flashlight and batteries - or one of the solar/crank flashlights;

10 - 12 candles (not the long skinny candles, the 1.5 inch wide, 6 inch tall ones that burn for 8-10 hours.) One of these can keep you from freezing to death in a cold vehicle. You'd be amazed at how much they warm up the air. On average, they'll raise the temp by 8 - 10 degrees F in the vehicle. They can also be used to melt snow for drinking;

Box of strike anywhere matches in a ziploc baggy;

6-12 power bars per occupant, you can be stranded for a while.....;

stainless steel mug per person. Can be used with candles to melt snow for drinking;

If you can ensure they don't freeze (ie bring them inside when not in vehicle), 3 or 4 large bottles of water;

4-6 signalling flares;

vehicle chains, particularly in mountainous regions; and

Coloured ribbon to tie to antenna.

Up here we always travel in coats and boots so I have not included on this list. Again this is what I consider the minimum, throw whatever else you want in as you see fit (toilet paper, extra ziploc baggies, a book). This easily fits into my winter survival go bag (less chains and kitty litter) and will sustain me for a minimum of 48 hours....