I am sitting down to compose a post on the 10 essential items to have in a winter emergency survival kit. It is 23 degrees outside throughout Austin, Texas, with the overnight low predicted to arrive at a record-breaking 15 degrees; the tv is generating a buzzing sound in the background together with non-stop chatter about the winter months' blast that is capturing the central as well as eastern U . S . in addition to trapping many hundreds of individuals in white-out conditions. There are reports of unseasonably chilly weather from over the world. So far at least 12 fatalities have occurred due to the harsh cold, this will no doubt be one of the most frigid winters in recorded history. And we are only fourteen days into the winter weather of 2010...
I am a mountain climber and out-of-doors enthusiast, and have learned over the years that while severe winter weather is not some thing to be feared, it's really something to be respected. History has shown us that even the best weather forecasts are destined to be wrong, knowing that old' Mr. Murphy and his law that if anything will go wrong - it will - and definitely applies to the complex world of climate prediction. That is why seasoned climbers adhere to a uncomplicated rule: prepare for the worst in addition to hope the best. In fact, if you study climbing mishaps and fatalities (some thing I did for a long time), you'll almost invariably discover that an astonishing number climbers failed to follow this simple rule of thumb: not giving adequate respect to Mother Nature and not having a winter emergency survival kit on hand.
That is why mountaineers have designed a guideline for the 10 necessary items to have in a winter emergency survival kit. Get any book on mountaineering or consider any course about climbing and you will quickly be realize that having those 10 essential items in your emergency survival kit is crucial to your well-being. Past experiences and hard luck have got taught climbers that there these 10 tools that should be included in a winter emergency survival kit, and by no means should anyone leave home without them. To do so will expose unnecessary risks to you and your group. Also, if you always have a winter emergency survival kit with you, the odds are you can endure even the worst winter conditions. If you are sufficiently prepared, it is possible to survive almost anything.
What are the steps that can be taken to prepare for the extreme winter conditions, especially if you are inevitably going to encounter it? Make sure that you have a winter emergency survival kit to get you through! Even if you are not a mountaineer, preparing for extreme winter weather is crucial to your survival. You should familiarize yourself with what the 10 essentials are in your winter emergency survival kit and make the effort to keep a winter emergency survival kit in your home and vehicle(s).
Here is a list of the 10 necessities for your winter emergency survival kit that no one should ever be without, slightly customized for the non-climber.
1) Warm clothing. Always make sure you have extra clothing in your winter emergency survival kit. Some items to include are: wool or fleece stockings, pants, shirts, jackets and toques in your vehicle. A sleeping bag or blanket and a down-filled jacket will help you to be more comfortable and warm if you get stuck for a long period of time without power or help. Keep in mind, mountaineers are exposed for days to below zero temperatures through some of the most harsh conditions. They are able to survive these conditions in a tent and having the proper clothing to help keep them warm.
2) Non-perishable food. You should have 3 days worth of food items in your winter emergency survival kit for safe-keeping in your vehicle in the winter. Store meals, ready to eat or other dehydrated food products along with power bars for you to prevent hunger in the event of a prolonged stay in your car.
3) H2o and/or water filtration capability. While you are surrounded by snow, you might be surrounded by water, in case you have a means to melt in addition to purify the water. Drinking water purifiers and filter tablets are a must for the climber, and you should currently have both in your vehicle crisis kit. Remember, our bodies can last weeks with out food, but only a matter of days without water. Make sure you have that in your winter emergency survival kit.
4) Knife, lighter, duct tape, utility tool and rope. The most basic tools in your winter emergency survival kit are invariably the ones that are often omitted in the winter emergency survival kit when an emergency comes up. Recall Cast Away having Tom Hanks? A simple chef's knife and lighter could have changed his circumstances noticeably and you should have one in your car at all times. Additionally, duck tape in desperate situations is a must, you can make various creations with a little duct tape.
5) Communication device. Your cell phone is essential. Make sure you have the way to recharge your mobile phone with a crank unit in the event you are devoid of battery pack. If you can't talk to the rest of the world, you are really alone.
6) Heat along with stove. Your winter emergency survival kit should include any camp stove in addition to fuel for heating water and food preparation. A warm mealtime or fluids soothes the soul within a long winter emergency, and will provide an oblique source of heat to start. (Remember that a camping stove emits dangerous carbon monoxide, so you really should only use one in a well-ventilated space. Open the car windows or prepare food outside when you use just one.)
7) Global positioning systems. Should you not know where you are...that you are truly lost. A fantastic GPS unit gives you a sense of direction, but more importantly, it will give you a position for rescue. A transportable GPS unit is a wonderful addition to your winter emergency survival kit.
8) Light. You should invariably possess a crank operated light and/or lantern for those unforeseen issues in your winter emergency survival kit. Flash lights are very good, but they rely on batteries that run out of energy. Crank operated lighting and snap lights for those long darker knights are the best spouse you can buy in a winter months urgent situation.
9) Personal care & first aid. Don't forget to maintain yourself. Anti-bacterial wipffor those wilderness privy's in addition to cleaning needs certainly are a must in your winter emergency survival kit, and there is almost nothing more welcoming than brushing ones teeth with true toothpaste after a extended day in the forest. Basic cleaning agents, gloves, lotion, essential medications (Benadryl, Tylenol, etc.), along with basic first aid instruments should be key ingredients in your winter emergency survival kit.
10) Survival E-book. You will discover several out there, we suggest that you analysis them. Pick the one that works for you and be sure you keep that in your winter emergency survival kit. You never know, some day you may need to make flame from sticks...and not having a how-to guide, you may never begin to see the glow or temperature of fire.
I'm from Texas, so I don't commonly keep all of these necessities in my winter emergency survival kit, which I store in my vehicle. But if I know I am just headed into frosty climates, I certainly do not leave home without my winter emergency survival kit. The significance of the 10 requirements in a winter emergency survival kit appeared profoundly clear in my opinion one winter morning 8 years ago while i became trapped in this worst blinding snow storm I did ever experienced in Colorado. I was in my Dodge pick-up (equipped with the a winter emergency survival kit) when a rogue tornado hit the cross. Completely blinded with the storm and had to abandon my vehicle all night on the road while ideal piled up all around us. While I was nervous, I knew certainly that I could live through the storm because I had a winter emergency survival kit.
It's all about preparedness. Bear in mind, when it's time to take action, the time for preparation is fully gone.
Stay safe. Be Informed. Be Prepared. Always have a winter emergency survial kit.
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