How to make a vehicle survival kit

  • Published
  • By Compiled from staff reports
  • 354th Fighter Wing Safety Office
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Living in Interior Alaska is unlike living anywhere else in the world. With the harsh winters, if your vehicle breaks down on the side of the road or you get stuck there's no running down the road to get help, and at negative 40 degrees it doesn't take long to turn into a popsicle. 

It pays to be prepared for the unexpected by carrying your own personal survival kit. What you do carry depends on you and the space you have available in your vehicle.

Remember, it is impossible to include every item that may be needed in a survival situation. The following is a list of items that you may want to include. By including a few items from each of the specific areas you will be on your way to having the essentials if an emergency arises. Periodically check items for serviceability and shelf-life.

A. Fire and Light
1. metal matches (flink and steel)
2. butane lighter
3. matches (waterproof and wind resistant)
4. fire starters (compresses fuel bars)
     a. cotton balls dipped in paraffin wax
     b. steel wool
5. Light and signaling source
     a. candles
     b. cyalume sticks (chemical light)
     c. flightlight (extra batteries!)
     d. road flares
     e. signaling mirror

B. Medical and Tools
1. Ace bandage 3'' wide
2. compresses - 2 for bleeding
3. triangular bandage
4. band-aids (assorted sizes)
5. Aspirin tablets
6. disinfectant (betadine, iodine)
7. multi tool, such as a Gerber or Swiss Army Knife
8. wire cutters or hack saw
9. emergency ration can opener
10. small camp shovel
11. fishing, treble and snagging hooks
12. Aluminum foil

C. Food and Water
1. MREs
2. Candy bars or power bars
3. powdered gatorade/ coffee
4. water purification tablets
     a. halazone, iodine
     b. water filter
5. Ziploc bags
     a. water and food containers
6. cook pot or coffee can

D. Shelter and Personnel Items
1. poncho/large garbange bags
2. space blanket
3. rain jacket and pants
4. wool blanket/socks/hat
5. cord or twine (40 feet)
6. inspect repellant
7. safety pins
8. medications/vitamins
9. hygiene items