Must haves for personal vehicles this winter

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Joshua Smoot
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  As many know, winter in Montana can be harsh. Driving down the icy roads may result in the loss of control of vehicles. And in some cases, losing control of one's vehicle may result in a crash and possibly being stuck in the unforgiving Montana cold.

"There may come times where you do get stranded, or you slide off the road and you're going to be there for a spell," said Kelly Nathe, 341st Missile Wing assistant traffic safety manager. "We all know with electronics these days, cell phone coverage in the state of Montana can be spotty at best."

Having the following items in your vehicle could save someone's life if anyone ever finds themselves stranded:

· A shovel can be used to dig oneself out if stuck.
· A scraper/brush combination, preferably one that gives you enough room to reach across the entire windshield can be used to clear off snow or ice, to include the hood of the vehicle so when driving, snow isn't flying off the hood.
· Booster cables can be used if a battery dies. It is also good to have in cases where someone giving a vehicle a jump doesn't own a pair.
· Having a first aid kit may help with an injury. One never knows when they are going to need it a kit for themselves, their occupants or if they happen to be the first one on the scene of an accident.
· Gloves can protect hands from the cold when digging oneself out or working in inclement weather.
· One may not always be in dry weather when trying to start a fire, so it is important to have items to build a fire or a flame. Nathe carries trioxane, which is an instant fire starter even in damp weather.
· A Multi-tool (Leatherman or Swiss Army Knife) can be used to open canned food or cut branches for fire.
· Cheap emergency blankets or sleeping bags will keep the body warm and keep the moisture off. They can also be used to set down on the ground when installing chains on a vehicle, keeping legs and pants from getting wet.
· Have extra cold-weather gear (dress for the weather) in case clothes become wet or to add extra layers if needed.
· Have a flashlight with extra batteries to see in the dark. Having a headlamp may also help by giving opportunity to use both hands.
· A coffee can may be used to help start a fire. Make sure to peel any decals or stickers off before starting a fire in a coffee can.
· Coffee, juices, hot chocolate and cups may be used to keep hydrated or to keep bodies warm.
· A deck of cards can help occupy time if stranded.
· A brightly colored rag can be used to hang off antenna to signal for help or can be used to clean off hands.

Along with the items listed above and a gallon of water, most will likely will be set for a couple of days if need be, Nathe said.

A majority of these items can be found at local hardware stores and with a little work, can fit into a coffee can.

"The best thing to remember is to be prepared," Nathe said. "Learn from experiences and write what you may need in the future."

For more information regarding a winter survival kit, visit http://www.mdt.mt.gov/publications/docs/brochures/winter_maint/winter_survival.pdf.