General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsEmergency supplies in case of car breakdown in cold weather. What say you, Duer's in cold states?
It crossed my mind this morning as I drove to work (about 9 degrees F), what if a car breaks down when it's
bitterly cold? With cell phones these days, for most, help wouldn't be far away.
But what is help is far away?
hobbit709
(41,694 posts)Those little tea candles can keep the interior up above freezing.
Doctor_J
(36,392 posts)I have a gallon jug of water and some granola bars
KansDem
(28,498 posts)Year round.
Brickbat
(19,339 posts)NeoGreen
(4,030 posts)... during the snow months
plus I have a windup flashlight/radio in the glove box.
Blanket (old army wool)
travel pillow
water
granola/energy bars
Plus, I assume I will have my cell phone with me.
The Straight Story
(48,121 posts)He would take old cans, usually the ones from some sort of canned meat that were wider than they were taller, and coil cardboard into it tightly then cover with wax. Made a nice little self contained fire that lasted hours (we actually used one once in the car one winter, worked great and kept us warm).
Food, water bottle, flares, blanket, etc can all fit nice into a back pack one can leave in the trunk or back seat.
laundry_queen
(8,646 posts)And as mentioned...flares, candles, blankets, warm clothing...
I have an 'emergency' kit that contains booster cables, tow strap, flares, first aid kit, reflective blankets (those things that look like foil), reflective tape, multi-purpose knife (with pliers, screwdrivers, scissors etc)
I also have a small camp stove w/pot that runs with tea light candles in order to melt snow for water. I keep a box of granola bars too. Oh, and a couple of water bottles. An extra hat, mitts, fleece blankets, a lighter, and wind & waterproof matches, paper towels
It is actually a somewhat regular occurrence (well, once a year or so) where I live (Canadian Prairies) where people get stranded on highways because of blizzards so that's why I carry all of that stuff. If I'm going on an extended trip, I add more food and blankets. And I check the weather before I go, and if there's a snowfall warning or blizzard I don't go.
ETA: What I need to add to my kit: flashlight (cranking, no batteries b/c batteries freeze), hatchet (in case we need to build a fire if we are stranded in the boonies), kitty litter (traction on ice) and hot packs to warm hands and feet.
JEFF9K
(1,935 posts)eShirl
(18,466 posts)a few of those cheap single-use hand warmer packs
(or, if you can find them, re-useable hand warmer packs http://www.amazon.com/Toysmith-Sock-Monkey-Warmers-2-Pack/dp/B009Z1L2C0/ref=pd_sim_sg_13 )
hlthe2b
(101,715 posts)solar/wind-up weather radio & combined cell phone charger/'flashlight, gallon water, granola or other "meal" bars. jumper cables, fix-a flat or similar...
The coffee can may be saving grace
I spent 12 hours stuck in the car coming back from skiing--when roads closed--too far from an exit... That snow plow was one welcome sight.
MineralMan
(146,192 posts)But, when the weather is dangerously cold, every driver should be dressed in a way that will allow him or her to be outside of the car, no matter where they go. If you're driving in or near a major city, help will arrive quickly, but if you're on a longer distance trip, it may not, so you should have a winter survival kit in your car where it can be easily accessed.
The most important thing in that kit is a charged cell phone. Calling 911 will bring help. Beyond that, here's a link to a decent list of other things worth having with you, in case you're stranded on the road:
http://www.weather.com/life/safety/autosafety/article/winter-survival-kit_2011-10-30
JustAnotherGen
(31,681 posts)Then I could answer.