Coffee Cans Hold Keys to Winter Survival
Don't wait until you're stuck to wish you'd thought to pack these
Heavy snowfall throughout December followed by tornados and dense fog in January remind us all of how changeable and treacherous weather in our area can be. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation recommends all motorists equip their vehicles with essential survival gear, starting with a standard 2-3 lb. coffee can. Here’s what they recommend you put in it:
- Punch three holes in the top of your 2-3 lb coffee can lid. You’ll be storing all these other items in it.
- 60 inch length of twine or heavy string cut into three equal pieces - used to suspend your can over a candle.
- 3 large safety pins – Tie strings to safety pins and pin to car roof interior to suspend can over candle.
- 1 2” wide candle – place on can lid under can to melt snow
- 1 pocket knife, reasonably sharp – scissors can be substituted
- 3 pieces of bright cloth 2”wide by 36” long – tie to antenna or door handle
- Several packages of soup, hot chocolate, tea, bouillon cubes, etc – mix with melted snow for warmth and nutrition
- Plastic spoon
- 1 small package peanuts (protein) and fruit flavored candy (orange slices, jelly beans, etc., avoid chocolate)
- 1 pair cotton athletic socks and one pair cotton glove liners
- 2 packages of book matches
- 1 sun shield blanket or 2 large green or black plastic leaf bags (to reflect body heat)
- 1 pen light with spare batteries
- 2 quarters and 2 dimes for telephone calls.
When gathered, place a stocking cap over your kit and carry it in the passenger compartment of your car or truck so it will be accessible if you go into a ditch or can’t get to or open the trunk. If you use a 3lb can, you may have room for additional items such as bandaids, asprin, or flashlights.
