What do you keep in your car for emergencies during the winter? (Cheyenne: home, luxury)

[Cloudfish]

Just thought I'd share the list of things I keep in my truck, too....

Sleeping bag
Candles
Gloves & Hat
Shovel
Flashlight--battery and one of those "shake" kind
At least one MRE.
Canned Ham--the kind that doesn't have to be refrigerated. I don't care if it freezes---and you won't either if you're hungry.
Couple of packages of Ramen Noodles---break in bag, empty 1/2 of flavor pouch in it and shake, eat raw. Make sure you have water, though---they make you thirsty.
Road Flare
Jumper Cables
Magnetic emergency light (rotating beacon, amber)
Homemade waterproof matches--I have a "recipe" if anyone's interested--it's easy.
Fishing pole--almost standard in any Wyoming truck, isn't it?
S&W .40

That's all I remember off the top of my head---I know there's a couple more things but I'm too lazy at the moment to run outside to check.

[shadowwalker]

I had a wood box with a open top behind the seat. I had four MRE's, for space blankets,two bic lighters, one of those small army stoves that will heat up a can that takes the white tablets to burn,two packs of white tablets,three or four roadside flares,unread paperback books.
In the pickup bed toolbox, tirechains,tow chain,jumpercables,new distributor cap,usual toolbox with mechanics tools, bailing wire roll,duct tape,plumbers epoxy, two quarts motor oil,gallon antifreeze, used serpintine belt or fan belts, Haneys repair manual on truck or the car you were driving-in plastic sealed bag,spare electrical wire and tape. I gave it all to my dad when I left wyoming. I got to get it all replaced when I get back.
Here in Tennessee people don't carry extra gasoline, spare tires or tool boxes with necessities. I don't think I am ever 10 or 15 miles from a filling station or mechanic's shop here. And there is ALWAYS traffic on the road I am on to get a lift from someone.

[emeraldsky]

Thanks so much everyone. I'm really impressed with how prepared you all are...

I'm a little embarassed about the flares, thanks for the clarification jazzlover.

Good to know I can find most everything at WalMart or KMart, and the rotating light at an autoparts store.

I'll definitely have to find those balaclavas. My 2 brothers (and brother-in-law) love Cabela's. I went to one in Utah last summer that they wanted us to see. Very nice, and huge. Good to know they have an online store too.

Glad you mentioned the weather radio Kristynwy. We have one at home, didn't think of putting one in the car. We got ours at WalMart, under $20.

Elkhunter, that is cool how you taught your kids to be aware of helpful towns off the interstate.

Cloudfish, definitely post that waterproof match recipe if you get a chance. Thanks.

Good idea about the book shadowwalker. Probably should put in an uplifting one just in case we're in dire straights. Though like elkhunter mentioned, I'm definitely choosing the comforts of a hotel over wondering if we can make it to the next town in bad bad weather.

[Cloudfish]

Here's a very easy and effective way to make your own waterproof matches.

Materials

* Strike Anywhere Matches---this is important---NOT Strike on Box matches. The only place I ever find these is in a grocery store where they keep the BBQ supplies. Wal-Mart doesn't carry them that I've found.
* A candle. Either the kind that is in a jar or any candle that has a wide base.
* A container. Any will do---it does not really have to be waterproof itself. I use candy containers---TicTacs, M&M Mini's, LifeSaver Holes, etc.

Directions

* Simply light the candle and let it sit for a while---long enough for it to develop a good pool of wax.
* Next, dip the heads of the matches in the wax for a second or two, pull out, and then blow on the wax coated head for another second or two to speed solidifying and set it down--I usually lay them down propped on another match with the head "in the air" so it doesn't stick to the table.
* Insert into container---don't pack too tightly so you can just shake one out.
* That's it!!!

To light simply strike on any hard surface or the striker on the box. The wax actually helps the wood burn--just like a candle. If you have any difficulty getting the match to "strike" simply use your thumbnail to scratch off the very tip of the wax on the head.

I have soaked these in water overnight and had no problem lighting these. I give them as gifts sometimes---cheap and homemade I know--but just throw the container in your vehicle and forget about them---until you need them!

[sunsprit]

Wax coating the strike anywhere matches is OK for waterproofing, but I learned that coating them with clear nail polish works, too ... and you don't have the problem of having so much wax on a match that you can't get it lit.

[molon labe]

My year-round kit:

2 flashlights- Mini Mag w/extra batteries and hand-crank
Small light that plugs into cigarette lighter
Lighters and butane
Gloves- insulated, non-insulated and latex
Jumper cable kit
Basic wrenches and multi-tool
Electrical and duct tape
Fleece and waterproof jacket
Water
Brake-Clean
Brake fluid & Engine oil
Handgun with extra ammo
Tarp
Large beach towel
Foot pump (100 psi)
Reflectors and flares
Small survival kit (whistle, mirror, etc)
Band-aids and antiseptic
Zip ties- 3" on up to 14" heavy duty
Nylon 12,000 lb strap
Granola and breakfast bars
Atlas and local maps
Earplugs
Advil
Lip balm, burn lotion, sunscreen
Extra socks
Coveralls
Few rounds of common ammo (12ga, .22, 9mm, etc)
Hat(s)
Ear muffs
4-hour hand/foot warmers


I guess that's most all of the stuff that's normally there..... going to get a toolbox for the bed soon, so the inventory will increase. Going with a full tool kit, more extra of some of the above, cheap 12ga shotgun and ammo, and a few other things that will stay in the toolbox at all times... just out of room in the cab now.

[shadowwalker]

I put in books I haven't read or want to reread. I also had some for kids, when I had little ones. I even had to use pages out of one to start a fire once. It was on a deer hunt with nephews and not really needed. They just wanted to have a fire out in the woods. And the woods had about 18 inches of snow on everything. I went to those books on stuff like fishing trips,when they were'nt biting and I just wanted to stay out alittle longer, on days I was rockhounding, arrowhead looking at, ect. I have got nieces and nephews started on reading "just for fun". That way.
I also liked the idea of the weather radio. I use them here, and was going to sell them before we leave. But now will take them with us back home.

[emeraldsky]

Wow. Thanks ElkHunter. Made me laugh (brought a few tears to my eyes) about needing a trailer to haul it all in... too funny.

Thanks for the waterproof matches idea cloudfish and sunsprit.

Shadowwalker, good idea about using the books if you need to start a fire. The thought of fishing makes me wish for warm weather already...

[ruggedindividual]

A good hunting/survival knife would be a good thing to have in your kit.

[ElkHunter]

Originally Posted by navyvet79

A good hunting/survival knife would be a good thing to have in your kit.

Good one. I added it to the post.