AUTO TRAVEL SURVIVAL GEAR TIPS
"preparedness prevents the necessity of requiring rescue"
Most of our outings find us arriving by car. Refilling the gas tank when at 1/2 empty can save problems even in the city. When stranded, short term (24-48 hrs) stay with the vehicle. In case of long term activate a self evacuation, leaving behind a detailed plan / account for rescuers. The winter environ being harsher requires more thought and supplies.
SURVIVAL GEAR
1. 2 sacks cat litter (spread on ice for traction)
2. 6 flares or fuses and 3 reflectors with stands
3. tow (min. chain 5/16" X 10', or a strap which can be tied if broken) heaviest you can afford
4. spare fan or pulley belt
5. gas can empty
6. fuses (tester and pulley*)
7. small tool kit
8. hose repair kit or spare hoses*
9. duct tape, one loop bale wire
10. spare key taped to outside of car
11. 2 pr work gloves
12. 2 pr wool socks
13. wool hats (can substitute Poly pro for wool not cotton)
14. wool blanket
15. sleeping bags ( store them in car not closet)
16. snow suit*
17. matches and liter
18. flashlight with spare bulb and batteries, 3 litestick*, plug in spotlight*
19. metal can with lid filled with paraffin and rolled cardboard or 6 candles
20. 10 food bars and 10 bouillon cubes ( 10 dog biscuits)
21. metal cup or can ( can be used to store supplies)
22. 1st Aid Kit (take a long class {30 to 80 hr.} to learn how to use it)
23. heavy plastic ( fruit juice ) gallon jug 3/4 full H20 with several drops bleach
24. shovel with short, D handle
25. heat packs*
26. snowshoes*
27. snowboots*
28.help sign, sunshade, orange roadside trash bag doubles as sleep bag or poncho
29. unread novel, pen, black marker, tablet
30. signal devices; cell phone *best with roof mount ant.*., I D cell strobelight*, mirror & whistle
ITEMS TO CHECK IN THE FALL
Anti freeze
fan belts
Clean battery cables and terminals
all tires including spare (air pressure and wear)
jack &lug wrench or cross bar lug wrench
tire chains(make sure they fit the tires on the car)
Inventory above listed items
Battery cables
*=If you can afford them in space and $. Keep kit covered or hidden from outside view to prevent theft. Buy good quality used toolbox/gearbox, dented, scratched, stained, at garage sale or thrift store.
New toolboxes/gearboxes are a greater invitation to theft.