Ice, ice, and a little more ice

With this cold weather running across the nation I got thinking about people driving through this stuff(provided they find open roads to drive on). Then I got thinking about the things that a lot of people I know don't think do.. or maybe don't think of. So I've decided to post about my suggestions on things to have with you in the event you find yourself driving through this bad icy and cold weather. I realize that most people consider them selfs to be good drivers and figure they are safe no matter what, but shit happens. So please, if you've found this blog read on, it's possible it could help you some day.

The day pack and canteen you see to the left contains everything I'm going to talk about. I wanted to show that you do not need all that much stuff to make a big difference in the event something goes wrong on bad roads.

You might want to reference wilderness-survival.net and/or discovery channel survival website for additional info. This article is very brief and is in no way comprehensive, read more knowledge is power, and may mean life or death.

In that pack I've included:

• A blanket
• cold weather undergarments
• 2 pairs of socks
• 2 t-shirts
• 1 pair of jeans
• 1 towel
  
• string(5-50 cord)
• a pocket knife
• a reflective vest
• a poncho
• 1 pair of gloves
• a folding shovel
• a canteen(watter bottle works too)
• 2 energy bars(or ration bars)
• a lighter
• a whistle

This is in no way a complete list of everything you should bring with you. I'm sure many other people will think of all kinds of things that are useful. But I will spend some time to explain why I've added each of these items to my list.

The blanket, cold weather undergarments, pocket knife, spare cloths, gloves, poncho, canteen are all pretty self descriptive. I do want to make one special note on the poncho, it can keep you dry and help peed you warm, it can also be used to make a shelter if needed. The lighter is not good for heat, but could be used for light for a short time if necessary. It can also be used to start a fire.

A fire will probably be hard to build and really only necessary if for some reason you get separated from your vehicle or run out of fuel. To do this in a wet climate you'll need to find wood and cut off the out side, the inside of a dry branch tends to stay that way. The shovel can be used to dig to the ground and make a clearing for your fire. If necessary you can use the shovel to dig a snow cave...but I figure that is VERY unlikely.

The reflective vest can be tied to a something to help attract help your direction, or be worn if you end up walking. Again this is to help help see you. The whistle can be used to try and get the attention of someone. It's possible that some one could be near by and a good whistle(I recommend a fox 40) can be heard a long way away.

Well this is getting really long. Please post item suggestions or even uses for items. Every little bit helps.

~Richard