A recipe for safety when traveling by vehicle – take a 3-pound coffee can and fill it with candle stubs and matches (which can be used to melt snow for additional drinking water). Add:
- One metal cup
- Red bandana and a plastic whistle (to alert rescuers to your location)
- Pencil and paper
- First aid kit including any essential medications
- Plastic flashlight with spare batteries
- Two large plastic garbage bags and safety pins (bags are for insulation for feet and safety pins will keep the bags together)
- Bottled water and snack food for energy, such as candy bars
- Coins for phone calls (in case you don't have a cell phone or the cell phone doesn't work)
Some other items that you should carry include: an extra set of dry clothing, a snowmobile suit, gloves or mittens, winter boots, blankets and/or sleeping bag, jumper cables, a basic toolbox, a shovel, a bag of sand or other grit for traction, tow cables or chain, road flares and reflectors. A completely charged cell phone is also a bonus if you run into car troubles.
Whenever traveling in the winter, call ahead to your destination and convey when you intend to leave, what travel route you will take and your expected time of arrival. If you are stranded, never leave your vehicle. Your chances of survival greatly increase if you stay with your vehicle.