Are You Prepared to Be Stranded This Winter? Planning for Your Survival

This is a list that everyone should review before taking a long trip during bad weather. Believe it or not there are still areas in which cell phone service is nonexistent. So it is crucial to be prepared for the worst case scenario. You must be prepared to spend a night or more in your vehicle in cases of blizzard or other devastating weather. While for most of us this seems unlikely, it can happen when you least expect it to, so preparation is the best way to avoid potential hazard.

Most of these items should be in your car but in case they aren't here is a list of important items to carry in your car. You should have a spare tire in good and working condition. Most of the old school donut style tires are not meant to be driven on more than about 50 miles, if you have a full size spare you will have no problem getting where you are going. To remove the tire you will need a car jack and tire iron. You will also want to keep a can of tire repair in case you have a flat tire. This product can get you to where you are going without having to change the whole tire. In case you have to change your tire, you should have a wheel chock in you car to keep the vehicle from rolling or the parking brake from disengaging. The last thing you want is to be run over while attempting to change a tire.

You should also purchase a set of jumper cables in case a passerby is able to assist you with a dead battery. Keeping a pair of warm work gloves in your car is another necessity for keeping warm while working on the car. However, if the gloves are too bulky it may cause an impediment and get in your way while trying to work on the car.

Here is a list of some of the items you may want to consider keeping readily available in your car:

Wire cutters and extra wire

Flares and possibly a flare gun

Bottled water and non perishable food, such as can food. Don't forget the can opener!

Flash light with extra bulbs and batteries.

A cigarette lighter and matches.

A gallon size jug of waters for filling the radiator.

A first aid kit, with plenty of supplies for injuries that may occur.

A pocket knife, preferably a swiss army knife that has multiple tools on it.

To keep warm you should have blankets in the car , along with scarf , hat and mittens.

A bag of cat litter can also help you when you are stuck in the snow, it works great for traction. You can also use sand or rock salt as well.

Plan on keeping a shovel in your car if you are traveling on less than traveled roads during the winter. This can save you a tremendous amount of time by digging you out of ruts.

An ice scraper should be a given, you need them often enough that it should remain in your car. A bottle of wiper fluid as well.

To prepare for the chances of being stranded, you should know where you are going, and what the conditions will be. Plan accordingly, you may or may not need all of the things on this list. When at all possible stay on the main roads as your chances of being found are much better than on a side road. You can never pack too much when it comes to your survival. In case of severe weather you should stay with your vehicle, do not go out wandering for help unless you are sure that help is nearby, even then you are safest with your vehicle.