The Ultimate Winter Survival Kit – and Why You Need One

Scottsdale, AZ --(Ammoland.com)- As anyone who is trained to survive in a harsh winter environment will tell you, the cold can be a killer if you are not prepared.

While the days of having to trek through snow dunes on foot are long gone, (unless you are going on a trekking expedition), having a vehicle doesn’t mean you will be immune to the dangers of extreme weather conditions.

Winter Storms are considered deceptive killers ….as most of the deaths caused by them are indirect. Everyone is potentially at risk during winter storms, yet the actual threat to you depends on your specific situation. In recent years, winter deaths or injuries were found to be related to ice and snow, with about 70% occurring in automobiles, while the other 25% were those of people actually being caught outside during the storm. With such a high percentage occurring in automobiles, everyone should carry a Winter Survival Kit in their car. Although some of the gear you need may be common sense, being as prepared as you can for any eventuality or emergency could mean the difference between life and death.

Know Your Environment
Before you put your survival kit together, it is important to do some preliminary research regarding the climate and major dangers of the area you are located in, or traveling to. If traveling, make sure you are aware of possible weather fronts that could hit and how these conditions will affect the conditions of the road, as well as how you will navigate through it. Generally, it is advised that you avoid driving through snow or ice unless absolutely necessary, as your chances of breakdown and getting stranded increase. Making sure you are as aware as possible about weather conditions, general areas of danger when traveling, and who to call in an emergency, are all very crucial no matter where you are going.

Survival Kit
Now, down to the nitty gritty… Having the right equipment in your survival kit will mean that you could be prepared for almost any eventuality, giving you peace of mind regardless of what nature throws at you. You may need to tailor your survival kit for long term or specific use, although the basics remain the same.

•  Topography map of area
•  Shovel (Recommend Crovel Extreme or Shovel Multi-tool)
• Windshield scraper and small broom
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Battery powered radio
• Water
• Snack food including energy bars
• Matches and small candles, magnesium fire rods and lighter
• Extra hats, socks and mittens (recommend wool)
• First aid kit • Pocket knife (Multi-tool or Mora knife recommended)
• Necessary medications
• Tow chain or rope
• Road salt, sand, or cat litter for traction
• Booster cables
• Emergency flares and reflectors
• Fluorescent distress flag and whistle to attract attention
• Cell phone adapter to plug into lighter
• Tin cup/ metal pot (vessel you can heat to melt snow)
• Small notebook and pen
• Snow boots
• Neon florescent marker tape
• 1 small pup tent (Recommended Adventure Pod)
• Jump cables, snow/tire chains (these may or may not need to be attached prior to departure Blankets or sleeping bag, (wool blanket or Mylar sleeping bag recommended Goggles
• Additional medication if anyone in group requires

Kit tips:

• • Reverse batteries in flashlight to avoid accidental switching and burnout.
• • Store items in the passenger compartment in case the trunk is jammed or frozen shut

When CAUGHT in a Winter Storm…

OUTSIDE - Try to find shelter and try to stay dry. Cover all exposed parts of the body.

If you can not find shelter:

• Prepare a lean-to, wind-break, or snow cave for protection from the wind.
• Build a fire for heat and to attract attention.
• Place rocks around the fire to absorb and reflect heat.

TIP: Do not eat snow: It will lower your body temperature. Melt it first.

IN A VEHICLE- Stay in your car or truck. Disorientation occurs quickly in wind-driven snow and cold. Run the motor about ten minutes each hour for heat. Open the window a little for fresh air to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning and make sure the exhaust pipe is not blocked.

TIP: If possible, make yourself visible to rescuers:

• Tie a colored cloth (preferably red) to your antenna or door.
• Turn on the dome light at night when running engine.
• Raise the hood indicating trouble after snow stops falling.
• Exercise by moving your extremities from time to time by to keep blood circulating and to keep warm. Donʼt forget your toes!
• Eat and drink. Food provides the body with energy for producing its own heat. Keep the body replenished with fluids to prevent dehydration.

911 TIPS:

• If possible, dial 911 on your cell phone. Provide your location, condition and the problem you’re experiencing.
• Make sure you know who you have spoken with and what will occur.
• If you must leave the vehicle, write down your name, address, phone number and destination. Place the note inside the front windshield for someone to see.

Enjoying Winter
Once you have these basics in your kit, you can add more supplies as needed should you be planning longer or more extended trips. Having such a kit on hand, whether you are skiing in a resort or trekking in the woods, is always a good idea. Accidents can happen anytime, from avalanches, snow storms and other forms of extreme weather that can quickly leave you stranded, and without a winter survival kit, you could be in real trouble. That said, while winter can be dangerous, by respecting it, having a little knowledge of your environment and being prepared, you can really enjoy the winter season.

“Prepare for the worst, Hope for the best.”

Cheers,-TR

About Tim Ralston & Gear Up Center
Gear Up provides cutting edge personal preparedness and self-reliance gear and education. Founded by Tim Ralston of National Geographic Channels hit series Doomsday Preppers, Gear Up has established itself as an international industry leader in the preparedness sector. Follow us on Twitter @GearUpCTR. To learn more about the company, visit www.GearUpCenter.com or call 480-306-4945.