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You, and those with you, should be able to survive when unexpectedly stranded for many hours or even one to three days in your vehicle with no outside help.
Prevent some problems during your travels
Ensure that the proper maintenance levels and upkeep of your vehicle are performed regularly, including fluids, wiper-blades, engine belts, tire pressure, and battery. When traveling locally, keep your fuel tank above three-quarters full and never less than half-full.
Important
Use these items, as needed, during an unexpected vehicle down situation. (Shelter is a major element of survival and is provided by your vehicle.)
The following is what you can consider having in your vehicle before becoming stranded:
Clothes
– Boots (for wet, mud, snow, cold), gloves, hat, rain gear, coat, extra pair of daywear shoes.
– Extra clothes (consider if what you wear were to get wet or destroyed or consider if what you are wearing may not be warm/strong/heavy enough for the conditions of a prolonged time outside of your vehicle). Keep a complete set of extra daywear clothing items in your vehicle.
– Blanket(s), thermal reflective tarp, mylar space-blanket(s).
Tools
– Paracord (25’ at least) and/or other rope.
– Shovel, axe, saw, knife, strong chain/strap (25’ at least, able to pull vehicle).
– Battery self-jump starter/power-bank, small power-bank, jumper-cables.
– Lights (rechargeable or battery) to use at night inside and outside of your vehicle. Power-banks (for phones and lights) with charging cables.
– Road Maps (paper copy is the best option) and cellphone maps.
– Signal road flares/lights (warn others of a disabled vehicle or for signaling for help).
– Spare tire, jacking system, wheel-nut wrench, basic hand-tool kit.
– Fire-extinguishers (designed for vehicle fires), and can be used for self-defense. Protection for self, family, vehicle.
Sustenance
– Energy snacks. I also have food, a folding-handle frying pan, a way to cook, and utensils.
– Water bottles that are full, and water purifier/filter method to replenish water supply.
Kits
– Fire Kit: Stormproof matches; BIC lighter; fire-starter card; other quick-start tinder (fatwood, scrap-paper, dryer-lint etc.). You will need to gather wood for the actual fire.
– First aid kit, prescription medication, medicine.
Other
– Contractor large trash bags
– Hygiene: have a toilet plan (small bucket with small trash bags or a dirt hole in the woods) and toilet paper roll(s), body wipes, roll of paper towels, a normal bath towel.
– Protection for self, family, vehicle (see Protect Your Path for general guidance).
Firearms
A firearm of any type can be used for defense against potentially lethal attacks. There are laws regarding what society has determined is acceptable use of a firearm, and there are negative consequences for those who violate the laws. Understand the safe and proper operation, handling, carrying, and use of any firearm you may have as well as what the laws are concerning their use in different situations.
For more specifics on getting stranded in your car in the winter, see this previous article.
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