What we were told to keep in our car in 1968 while in the military in Alaska.
Two wool blankets
two cans of Sterno and matches
One empty coffee can for body waste
hard candy.
You were expected to be wearing your winter survival parka and boots.
I would add to this list several Plumbers candles as they have a burn time of close to 4-5 hours. One or two will keep a car interior well enough warm to survive. add some C rations.
I did the same back in the “world” upon getting discharged. A survival pack in my cars. Same for the wife.
That’s why I live in Florida........................
That’s why I live in Florida........................
‘bugout bag’ in the trunk of my car, which doubles as an in-car safety bag because I can get to it through the back seat, includes zero-degree sleeping bag, extra gloves and socks, emergency mylar thermal blankets, first aid kit, fire starter, several types of tool kits, twine and rope, a tarp, and lots of other knick knacks I can’t even remember.
Just like my dash cam, I never need it... because I got it. lol. That’s just how that works. If you are without something, THEN you will desperately need it at some point.
I have never heard of plumbers candles but I am ordering some.
Thank you for the tip.
I remember the Sterno and candles recommendations from survival articles I read in the 60s. When I travelled all over the western states working in power plants I always had a survival kit with those items in it. A cheap signal mirror and whistle are good, too.
You’re right. I spent about 18 hours in my car last year in Virginia. I had boots, insulated clothes and a couple other things. Did just fine. Sad for this girl.
Whenever I go somewhere any time of the year I carry a good sleeping bag and blankets...
“I did the same back in the “world” upon getting discharged. A survival pack in my cars. Same for the wife.”
I also keep a miniature shortwave/am/fm/ssb radio and solar charger, primus stove, water, thermal blankets, axe, etc., etc.
I would add a cheap collapsible snow shovel ($15 at Walmart) and a 5/10 lb bag of kitty litter for traction.
I always tell people that blankets are to be put inside their sleeping bag.
Sitting still in a car at 0 degrees, or even at 40 degrees is not going well with just a blanket or even 2 blankets.
People often find that one blanket is barely enough when laying on the couch watching TV, now try it in a blizzard for 20 hours.
If a person carries nothing else for survival, at least carry enough that you can calmly and comfortably nap while you are waiting for things to change, to do that you need to have a set of socks and clothes that you can use just for the sleeping bag, because they are dry.
Getting out of the car for bathroom breaks and other reasons will mean your clothes get wet.