my wife: i dont need a jacket , its only a 5 minute drive . me : dont dress for the five minute drive , dress for the 1 hour walk if the truck breaks down or we get stuck.
My son was stuck in Lexington on I-75 for nine hours with last week's snowfall. Just two days prior, I had packed blankets, sleeping bags, protein snacks, water, extra clothing, a flashlight. I've got five gallon buckets with lids, so one of those is going in. He did encounter people with blood sugar issues, so he shared his food, bless him. :) Thanks for the information!
Here in Buffalo, NY and WNY where we had 7 ft of snow in less than 24 hrs once in Nov 2014; and it is common to have horrible weather- this type of stuff should be taught in HS for kids!
I’ve driven in 5 white out blizzards during my lifetime in Michigan, Indiana, North Carolina, Wyoming, and Kentucky. Each was a terrifying experience but now I know enough to realize job one is to get gas after burning a quarter of a tank, and at first sign of fog, freezing rain, ice, or snow to get off the interstate and search for a motel. If booked, just stay in parking lot. Now, things that should be common sense: dress in layers, keep a tarp and gloves in vehicle (essential for changing a tire), wool blanket, and self charging kit for sure.
Well done. This I-95 shut down is total vindication for those of us who practice preparedness. I’ve had to endure the gentle ridicule of my family who don’t think ahead and anticipate natural disasters and their impact on day to day living. But today I sat smugly listening to my children and grandchildren talking about I-95 conflagration when my wife said to them, “well, that wouldn’t affect Poppi very much because he’s ready.” Then I explained how this is why I carry extra clothes, blankets, water, flashlight, gloves, wool watch cap, first aid kit and a Leatherman multi-tool, and hiking poles in case I have to hike out. I also have two orange bandanas to signal with and my Pathfinder tarp. But, nobody was ridiculing me now. I hope I don’t ever have to use my emergency kit, but I’m prepared to do so.
I would also add a shovel. Even a small, collapsible emergency shovel. It's come in real handy over the years. I also bring my largest pair of boots along, even when I may not need them. Both of these items saved my keister when we got dumped on with snow last year.
my father got stuck on I-95 and unfortunately his car heater was broke - he nearly froze to death. His legs suffered the most as he was wearing a big coat - A pair of winter under-leggings or thicker/winter pants, or jeans, would've helped him (or a heavy blanket). He's back home safe now; I'm extremely glad/relieved. Reminded me of the importance of creating an emergency kit/case for every car we got.
The one thing I would add is a good book and a dedicated reading light with an extra battery. Something in a genre you love but not a priority to finish. Analog entertainment has saved moral for me more than once in a hunker down and wait scenario (🌀). Saves all your other resources and calms the mind.
FINALLY, someone is addressing the subject nobody wants to talk about, the elephant in the room, bodily functions! I don't know why this is such a taboo subject. It is something that is a part of everyday life, and it's manifestation on a crowded, blocked roadway is a crucial issue. Thank you, Dave.
I know I’m late in the game here, but a great space saving option that’s also warm is pantyhose. They are easy to pack, and are easy to put on under the rest of your clothes, but can also be fairly warm. I have some that are lined in fleece that I keep in my car. Gentlemen: do not rule them out. They add a layer for warmth. I had men in my family wearing them this last winter when our heat went out. They stayed nice and cozy.
It’s important to note that Lithium Ion battery jump starters and power bricks do not like the extreme cold and heat. You will need to check the charge level on them every couple weeks in colder areas. Because I do a lot of winter driving, I use a jump starter called the Autowit Supercap 2. It uses supercapacitors instead of batteries and is unphased by extreme temperatures. It won’t charge your phone, but it can live forever in your trunk without any maintenance or worry.
If keeping a few water bottles in your car kit, seal them inside a large 1 gal ziplock bag. Nice insurance against leaks if the bottles should freeze or crack and you can always use the bags for other purposes.
Good video thank you so much, I have all that gear with me in the back of my four-wheel drive because I'm out a lot in areas where you're on your own. Most people don't think of these things. The only thing I disagree on is the snack issue. Not having any food isn't going to kill me but if I was trapped in the car with my wife and she didn't have a snack she might kill me LOL. Thanks for the good advice
A couple wool Blankets and a few beeswax candles , a bag of Beef jerky and a bag of trail mix ,a roll of TP and half a Dozen bottles of water and 2 kevlar blankets inside a 5 gal. Bucket will be a God send in a bad situation . I carry enough things in My 95 fzj80 land cruiser to set anywhere for a month .... and check this out folks.... I live off of 700 a month , so don't use the excuse that You can't afford it 👍..... It only takes minimal space...
Dave all the stuff you mentioned was perfect for a 12 to 24 hour scenario on the road the other thing I would mention is that if you require a medication that you have to take every 24 hours or so you may want to keep a days supply in a small plastic bottle in the glove compartment in case you have to take it while you're trapped on the road. This may not apply to a lot of people but it may save somebody's life.
Great video! I live in a similar situation meaning I live in Iowa. One thing I've learned about keeping water bottles in the vehicle is to buy the cheap thin plastic bottles. If you're keeping them in the vehicle all the time. The thin ones will freeze and expand and not break. The thicker plastic bottles will break when Frozen.
Learned a hard lesson about 20 yrs ago. When returning from a snow shoeing trip in the Adirondack’s. I was pushed off the road into a ditch by a passing plow during a snowstorm. Thank goodness I had my equipment with me and some left over food from the weekend. It made waiting for help till the next day easier. Only turned the car on for weather info and supplemental heat. Btw one of those plows pulled me out the next day before the tow company showed up. Always have a kit in the car since. Great info for those that don’t get to experience winter normally in there area.
I believe it was a Mors Koshanki interview I saw years ago where he said to keep a mylar blanket in your vehicle with a few candles as well as a wool blanket. I never saw much use for those things until I saw that interview. I keep a pouch with a mylar blanket, a candle and a plastic poncho, in the event it's raining and I have to make a repair to the vehicle, and a lighter. I have two wool blankets also. His idea was to tape the mylar to one side of the interior and let the candle heat reflect back to you. Another reason I carry a 1' roll of Gorilla tape. I also have a Lugable Loo seat and a spackle bucket. I never thought to put the candle in a tin can and definitely put one in my car kit.
I've been focusing on preparedness for many years - and still learn something new all the time. You gave me several good ideas to add to our kits. Timely too. I live in MN and my wife is in the ditch due to a snow storm and the tow trucks won't be running until late afternoon - if then. She has all the stuff she needs in her kit - EXCEPT the bathroom bucket. We will be adding those.
My GM trucks have a recirculating mode on the hvac, not sure if other makers do this. It prevents pulling fumes from outside, and keeps the cabin warmer by reheating the same air.
Good afternoon Dave. Speaking of the I-95 Clusterthing. I've literally driven that stretch a thousand times and traversed the area for decades. With modern technology those folks could have well seen how close they were to adjacent roads. You could have literally gotten out of the car and rucked right out of that mess. To have sat there for 20 plus hours is insane and just shows you how bad this society has gotten, this wasnt the High Sierra's or the Plains of Nebraska. You can literally pack a bottled water and hoof it to a hard road and into safety. Great video as always
I have the DNA for prepping but it was Hurricane Katrina that motivated me. It was not so much the horror of the carnage but rather the apathy and laziness on full display that caused me to gather the most important prep: KNOWLEDGE. Prepare yourself so that vital resources are not spent hauling your butt to safety but also so that you can help the 83 year old grandmother in the car next to you, the 4 kids in the stationwagon behind you and the 20 year old college kid in front of you. Fun fact: The jump-start-in-a-bag thingy has a usb thingy for emergency phone charge.
Really great information and options. The only thing I might add is to place an old blanket or something down on the floorboards to keep the transfer of cold to a minimum.
My wife always complains about all that junk I carry in the trunk of the car. After 4th of January I-95 fiasco she has NOTHING to worry about. I have a pint paint can with a lid.. Roll of Toilet paper and three pints of alcohol as a heater. I get my survivor candles from church. They have candle light service at church and used them for 20minites with a total burn time of 6 hours, when they are done with them they are thrown away. Hundreds of them.. Free for the taking. Make a candle holder for a gallon metal can. Ive also got a one gallon can that I melt down candle pieces and make a three wick candle.. Just can't keep it in the car during the warm months but a perfect light & heat source for the fall & winter especially with such a stable base.. We both take medications so I have a case of bottled water in the trunk as well as 20k calories. Couple of ounces of meat protein at sunset will help the body to generate body heat. We have a medication to go bag that has a week's worth of medications. Great video. It's wonderful for the beginner to start thinking about preparedness. Miss you and Cody on the TV. Beards looking good too. Semper Fidelis Semper Paratus.
Hi Dave, as always, love the video! Living in Queensland, Australia, cold is not really an issue🙂, however, we use mylar bubble wrap window screens to keep the heat out of the car. I'm thinking similar for the 4 sides of the cab/ windows in the cold would help keep the warmth inside. In fact, I'd love to see an experiment testing how much difference they would make. 2 of the same car , one with and one without the screens same time , same place , only run the engine 10 minutes/ hour. Test temperatures inside and outside through the night...
Hey, Dave! Great video! I have a suggestion for the storage/bathroom/kitty litter. For cat owners like my uncle, he buys these pretty heavy duty plastic containers of Tidy Cat kitty litter. They have a good amount of storage space, a top that is both completely removable as well as having a flap that can be opened for scooping without removing the whole lid, and a decent handle for transport. I do a lot of truck topper camping and these are GREAT for storage. They can store all of the things you mentioned in here (with perhaps the exception of the blanket, clothes and charging block) and are nice and squared off with a lid, a bonus perk to the bucket solution that may have a tendency to slide around or tip over. If you have cat-people that are in your life, they may well have a spare litter container you can have. And if you don’t, it’s seriously worth buying one for all of the uses that they bring to the table. Also I think it is INSANE how few people don’t carry an MRE or two in their vehicle. For those unaware, MRE food requires nothing more than about two teaspoons of water (if that) to heat, they’re calorically dense, packaged so that they can be snacked on over a period of time, and have a extremely long shelf life. I know I tend to pack for longer term emergencies given the nature of my hobbies, but seriously - a kitty litter tote (MAYBE two), a couple of MREs, and 30 minutes spent preparing, and you will make your temporary emergency situation SO much more comfortable than what it might be.
I've provided my family with back packs with all those items in it as gifts, I stocked them with enough to survive for 3 days and the back pack allows them to hike out of a situation. I also included strap on mini spikes for moving on ice, chemical hand and foot warmers, 3 ways to start fires, including artificial fire starting bricks (small), wool blanket, mylar blanket, small tarp, para cord, knife, headlamp, oil filled candle. My fear was always around going off the road into the woods and waiting for days to have someone find you. I also gave the PLBs
Great video Dave! Thought I'd add some suggestions, after being stuck in my truck a few times up in Canada through extremely cold weather. Always keep some food on hand - a severe blizzard might last several days. Having dense caloric food will help provide fuel for the body to keep warm. A couple of MREs, a small stove to make soup, will make the situation more tolerable, boost morale and keep you warm. Also, Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries for flashlights and headlamps, they function down to -40. Handwarmers, feet warmers are also essential. An arctic sleeping bag, with a mylar blanket to use as an underlay. An axe and shovel are a must. They can provide shelter and fuel for fire if the situation becomes very dire. I'd also recommend a dual battery kit for the vehicle, if the vehicle is designed for it and it's within a persons budget. A winch, traction boards, chains are all nice extras as well.
I live in the mountains and I get lazy and don’t keep my “road box” in my vehicle. This is a great reminder. Having a battery is a nice comfort for my travel cpap. The bucket is something I get a lot of flack for until into needed. Also have a truckers pee container/empty bottles. Contractor bags are good too: I’ve used them to keel my feet from freezing with a puffy jacket when I’ve forgotten my sleeping bag. I started buying headlamps in bulk and stash them with batteries everywhere. A rhino strap with a ring for the trailer hitch is very useful too and not that expensive. People will stop to help but they don’t always have a strap. My wife runs cold and keeps a zero bag in her car. Water freezes so we keep In a yeti to keep from freezing and carry a pocket rocket stove and a can of filet just in case: the emergency candles and a can is a great low cost alternative. Good content and stay safe out there! Something is always better than nothing.
Thanks Dave for this. I just wanted to give all us the heads up on a product called the NOCO boost plus GB40. It is a power brick, vehicle jump starter, and flashlight in one easy package.
Long before I took an emergency preparedness course, back when I started driving, I designated every trunk out of every car to have supplies in case of an emergency. Always food/water, but now a sleeping bag, Mylar, etc. Back then, the show “I shouldn’t have survived” was big, and one left a huge impression - enough to create the awareness for need of a kit 🙌🏻
So some of the people ended up being stuck about 36 hours on 95 and route 1. When we had snowmageddan a few years ago with 24-30 inches of snow some of my coworkers called back to the hospital saying they were sitting on beltway stuck without food, water, blankets or gas. They idled it all away to stay warm. So I would add keep your gas tank at half or more. I always fill at half. Also someone had a family member with fevers so keep a few medications like Tylenol, Advil, charcoal all times in the car. Also extra meds you are on. I appreciate the video and have most of these items but you showed a couple “upgrades” I need to make.
Thanks, Dave, so tired of all the people who fail to plan, much less simply think ahead and delay travel! I will never forget my first active duty station. We had quarterly gear checks that included not only rapid deployment go bags but what we had in our POV for preparedness. I was used to it. I grew up this way guess I was lucky BOY SCOUTS BABY!
I hate how my friends and some other people think I'm a hoarder / crazy person. Just because I have a shovel, tarp, ax, saw, road flares, emergency backpack, wool blanket, cotton blanket, and a bunch of other things. Including dog hair and dirt LOL. And I also started using pieces of cardboard as floor mats because of the snow and ice and salt that accumulates during the winter months and makes it easier to keep my car floor clean.
Good advice! Of course everyones got an opinion, so heres mine. Be sure to keep any needed medications in the vehicle. Not just for you, but also for spouse and children. Keep them in your first aid kit, set an alarm on your phone to rotate them each month. Thanks again for the good talk!
I like to think of my vehicle as an extension of my get home bag. Where I have a ranger roll in my backpack, I have a second poncho liner or wool blanket, sleeping pad and so forth. I learned to make my vehicle an extension of my ruck in Afghanistan. I love that you're doing this for people Dave.
In cold weather you're less likely to drink water. If you start to become dehydrated, your blood thickens and it can't get in the the capillaries in your fingers and toes. That is not good. You should be urinating every couple of hours. If you urine is very dark, you're dehydrated. Also, severe dehydration can lead to poor decision making. In a survival situation, you need to keep your wits!
Further to the excellent suggestions made in the video and the comments section I also use disposable hand warmers - they look like a big teabag and last for up to 8 hours. Put them inside your clothing but not directly next to your skin. I usually put one in my shirt pocket to help maintain body core temperature. Playing cards and a couple of books can help to pass the time while you wait for rescue or for conditions to improve. Of course not getting stuck in the first place is best. A (folding) shovel and a length of old carpet, say 40cm x 200cm, can help you to get moving when you have no traction on ice/snow especially if you are not in a 4WD vehicle.
Something simple to include: A little flashlight. If you drop your car keys outside in the dark, hard to find it with a candle on a windy night. Also, *a pair of suede work gloves / construction gloves,* so you can get better grip, better torque when using tools and not worry about splinters or "paper cuts" or ruining your keep-warm mitts. Trying to use bare hands on tire iron and replace a heat-conducting metal wheel rim and metal nuts & bolts, with salt or slush or water or snow on a cold windy day can make frost-bite happen way sooner or simply slow down the work while trying to re-warm your hands. On'ly costs about $3
Congratulations on the Fox interview Dave. They certainly picked the right guy. I have a small kit in my truck but it does need improvement. Great ideas that I will immediately implement.
Dave,Thank you for always sharing your wealth of knowledge and experience. I continue to learn from you each time I watch one of your videos. Again, thank you!
Great video, Mr. Canterbury! Thanks for all you have done, and still do, to help us all be better prepared for what may come. Happy New Year to you, your family, and your staff!
I just came across this video from a couple years ago. Canterbury did a fine job of outlining what we all should have stashed in our cars/trucks especially this time of year (January). You just never know when something weird is going to happen so why not be a little prepared? 20 or 30 years ago there was no one to easily and readily advise us on stuff like this. The internet made it all possible but the internet can't make you get prepared. You have to do it yourself. So do it!
Thanks brother. A lot of good information. I never even thought anything about the bucket and having to go to the bathroom. God bless you and your wonderful family. John
This happened to us in texas on I35 several years ago. I have/had a capable 4x4 and actually went down to deliver some goods to my moms coworkers husband who was stuck in his rig. It was amazing to me how ill prepared people were. I loaded my truck up with folks several times giving them rides to the nearest truck stop. Since then, there has been a winter kit in my wifes car.
I was watching the follow up on the news earlyer about that incident, and i was like i hope somebody would do a video and show what to do and have in your vehicle about situation like this. And there you are! Thank you for sharing your knowlege. You are awesome.
Hey Dave, thanks for sharing this and all of the other info you have shared over the years. Since I first started driving (only rear wheel cars and 4x4 trucks back then) I have always kept my tank at least half full in the winter time. Also kept bags of sand or cat litter in the trunk. I also keep hand/body warmers with me now. Use them under my sleeping bag when camping during deer season. I got stuck on 95 30 miles north of Richmond in an ice storm Dec of 1980. I was on my way back to LeJune. Fortunately after the 12 hour stoppage, I was still on time getting back to base. Happy New Year and take care.
Happy new years Dave and everyone. Excellent suggestions. When I am in Canada driving around I always keep items season water (case) food bars, warm clothing etc just in case. It's a good habit to have as its better to have the items available and not need them than to be in need and not have it.
I work on the highway in that area (not a plow guy don’t @ me) and I got stuck in one of the worst spots in the very beginning on Monday morning. I saw it turning into a survival situation pretty quick so I ditched my car and even my precious backpack and hiked down I’d say about 7 or 8 miles into familiar territory where I knew where I could dry off and warm up. I left my pack because in that particular situation being as light on my feet as possible was worth more than everything in the pack put together. My physical condition and my experience hiking, as well as watching videos like yours to stay in that survivalist mindset are what really came through for me.
Thanks for the video Mr.Canterbury, good advice and it always nice to know you got something with you in a pinch. I have used my things only once, sure glad I had it ,Made things a little nicer.
Great overview. I learned a few things I never thought of, but are pretty well stocked already. I've spent a couple unplanned nights in vehicles too so learned some things from both occasions - bring warm stuff and a shovel... I'd love to see Kennedy come do one of your classes.
this is a really good video, Dave. I think its a great idea that you are addressing realistic emergencies that people are facing more and more often these days. Would be really cool to see you do a video on prepping for natural disasters etc. Best!
😎 If using bathroom & it’s possible, keep 1 & 2 separate! You Can dump 1 almost anywhere & possibly reuse 1 as a warmer. A normal #2 will dry up quickly in kitty litter & smell will also weaken, Butt if you mix 1 & 2 it will keep increasing in oder. 🤢🤮
This was a great video. It was the first time I heard someone go into detail about this topic. Going to the bathroom is something that most don't cover. Great stuff.
I am glad I live in Florida and do not live in a snow zone. Great presentation loaded with common sense information. Everyone needs an emergency kit of some sort no matter where they live or traveling to. Keep up the great job you do.
David, good to see you. Essentials to keep in your vehicle. Bucket, good call, makes a good snow shovel in a pinch. Melting snow for water if needed. Small mess kit helps. Dry socks. Keep up the good information. Thank you and stay well David.
Hey Dave! great post thank you for taking the time to go over the road kit. I do have a blanket and plenty of food and water stashed in the car, but I never thought of the bathroom. The bucket with liner is an awesome idea, I have a long commute and have sacrificed a Nalgen bottle every now and then in a long traffic jam. Stay safe sir Best wishes LD.
my wife: i dont need a jacket , its only a 5 minute drive .
me : dont dress for the five minute drive , dress for the 1 hour walk if the truck breaks down or we get stuck.
My son was stuck in Lexington on I-75 for nine hours with last week's snowfall. Just two days prior, I had packed blankets, sleeping bags, protein snacks, water, extra clothing, a flashlight. I've got five gallon buckets with lids, so one of those is going in. He did encounter people with blood sugar issues, so he shared his food, bless him. :) Thanks for the information!
Here in Buffalo, NY and WNY where we had 7 ft of snow in less than 24 hrs once in Nov 2014; and it is common to have horrible weather- this type of stuff should be taught in HS for kids!
I’ve driven in 5 white out blizzards during my lifetime in Michigan, Indiana, North Carolina, Wyoming, and Kentucky. Each was a terrifying experience but now I know enough to realize job one is to get gas after burning a quarter of a tank, and at first sign of fog, freezing rain, ice, or snow to get off the interstate and search for a motel. If booked, just stay in parking lot. Now, things that should be common sense: dress in layers, keep a tarp and gloves in vehicle (essential for changing a tire), wool blanket, and self charging kit for sure.
Well done. This I-95 shut down is total vindication for those of us who practice preparedness. I’ve had to endure the gentle ridicule of my family who don’t think ahead and anticipate natural disasters and their impact on day to day living. But today I sat smugly listening to my children and grandchildren talking about I-95 conflagration when my wife said to them, “well, that wouldn’t affect Poppi very much because he’s ready.” Then I explained how this is why I carry extra clothes, blankets, water, flashlight, gloves, wool watch cap, first aid kit and a Leatherman multi-tool, and hiking poles in case I have to hike out. I also have two orange bandanas to signal with and my Pathfinder tarp. But, nobody was ridiculing me now. I hope I don’t ever have to use my emergency kit, but I’m prepared to do so.
It’s hard to believe in this day of information, that people are still out driving in winter storms without even basics.
I would also add a shovel. Even a small, collapsible emergency shovel. It's come in real handy over the years. I also bring my largest pair of boots along, even when I may not need them. Both of these items saved my keister when we got dumped on with snow last year.
Best quote, “Hypothermia is going to kill you much quicker than not having a snack.” True, and funny!
my father got stuck on I-95 and unfortunately his car heater was broke - he nearly froze to death. His legs suffered the most as he was wearing a big coat - A pair of winter under-leggings or thicker/winter pants, or jeans, would've helped him (or a heavy blanket). He's back home safe now; I'm extremely glad/relieved. Reminded me of the importance of creating an emergency kit/case for every car we got.
The one thing I would add is a good book and a dedicated reading light with an extra battery. Something in a genre you love but not a priority to finish. Analog entertainment has saved moral for me more than once in a hunker down and wait scenario (🌀). Saves all your other resources and calms the mind.
FINALLY, someone is addressing the subject nobody wants to talk about, the elephant in the room, bodily functions! I don't know why this is such a taboo subject. It is something that is a part of everyday life, and it's manifestation on a crowded, blocked roadway is a crucial issue. Thank you, Dave.
I know I’m late in the game here, but a great space saving option that’s also warm is pantyhose. They are easy to pack, and are easy to put on under the rest of your clothes, but can also be fairly warm. I have some that are lined in fleece that I keep in my car.
Gentlemen: do not rule them out. They add a layer for warmth. I had men in my family wearing them this last winter when our heat went out. They stayed nice and cozy.
It’s important to note that Lithium Ion battery jump starters and power bricks do not like the extreme cold and heat. You will need to check the charge level on them every couple weeks in colder areas. Because I do a lot of winter driving, I use a jump starter called the Autowit Supercap 2. It uses supercapacitors instead of batteries and is unphased by extreme temperatures. It won’t charge your phone, but it can live forever in your trunk without any maintenance or worry.
If keeping a few water bottles in your car kit, seal them inside a large 1 gal ziplock bag. Nice insurance against leaks if the bottles should freeze or crack and you can always use the bags for other purposes.
Good video thank you so much, I have all that gear with me in the back of my four-wheel drive because I'm out a lot in areas where you're on your own. Most people don't think of these things. The only thing I disagree on is the snack issue. Not having any food isn't going to kill me but if I was trapped in the car with my wife and she didn't have a snack she might kill me LOL. Thanks for the good advice
A couple wool Blankets and a few beeswax candles , a bag of Beef jerky and a bag of trail mix ,a roll of TP and half a Dozen bottles of water and 2 kevlar blankets inside a 5 gal. Bucket will be a God send in a bad situation . I carry enough things in My 95 fzj80 land cruiser to set anywhere for a month .... and check this out folks.... I live off of 700 a month , so don't use the excuse that You can't afford it 👍..... It only takes minimal space...
Dave all the stuff you mentioned was perfect for a 12 to 24 hour scenario on the road the other thing I would mention is that if you require a medication that you have to take every 24 hours or so you may want to keep a days supply in a small plastic bottle in the glove compartment in case you have to take it while you're trapped on the road. This may not apply to a lot of people but it may save somebody's life.
Great video! I live in a similar situation meaning I live in Iowa. One thing I've learned about keeping water bottles in the vehicle is to buy the cheap thin plastic bottles. If you're keeping them in the vehicle all the time. The thin ones will freeze and expand and not break. The thicker plastic bottles will break when Frozen.
Learned a hard lesson about 20 yrs ago. When returning from a snow shoeing trip in the Adirondack’s. I was pushed off the road into a ditch by a passing plow during a snowstorm. Thank goodness I had my equipment with me and some left over food from the weekend. It made waiting for help till the next day easier. Only turned the car on for weather info and supplemental heat. Btw one of those plows pulled me out the next day before the tow company showed up. Always have a kit in the car since. Great info for those that don’t get to experience winter normally in there area.
I believe it was a Mors Koshanki interview I saw years ago where he said to keep a mylar blanket in your vehicle with a few candles as well as a wool blanket. I never saw much use for those things until I saw that interview. I keep a pouch with a mylar blanket, a candle and a plastic poncho, in the event it's raining and I have to make a repair to the vehicle, and a lighter. I have two wool blankets also. His idea was to tape the mylar to one side of the interior and let the candle heat reflect back to you. Another reason I carry a 1' roll of Gorilla tape. I also have a Lugable Loo seat and a spackle bucket. I never thought to put the candle in a tin can and definitely put one in my car kit.
I've been focusing on preparedness for many years - and still learn something new all the time. You gave me several good ideas to add to our kits. Timely too. I live in MN and my wife is in the ditch due to a snow storm and the tow trucks won't be running until late afternoon - if then. She has all the stuff she needs in her kit - EXCEPT the bathroom bucket. We will be adding those.
My GM trucks have a recirculating mode on the hvac, not sure if other makers do this. It prevents pulling fumes from outside, and keeps the cabin warmer by reheating the same air.
Good afternoon Dave. Speaking of the I-95 Clusterthing. I've literally driven that stretch a thousand times and traversed the area for decades. With modern technology those folks could have well seen how close they were to adjacent roads. You could have literally gotten out of the car and rucked right out of that mess. To have sat there for 20 plus hours is insane and just shows you how bad this society has gotten, this wasnt the High Sierra's or the Plains of Nebraska. You can literally pack a bottled water and hoof it to a hard road and into safety. Great video as always
I have the DNA for prepping but it was Hurricane Katrina that motivated me. It was not so much the horror of the carnage but rather the apathy and laziness on full display that caused me to gather the most important prep: KNOWLEDGE. Prepare yourself so that vital resources are not spent hauling your butt to safety but also so that you can help the 83 year old grandmother in the car next to you, the 4 kids in the stationwagon behind you and the 20 year old college kid in front of you. Fun fact: The jump-start-in-a-bag thingy has a usb thingy for emergency phone charge.
Really great information and options. The only thing I might add is to place an old blanket or something down on the floorboards to keep the transfer of cold to a minimum.
My wife always complains about all that junk I carry in the trunk of the car. After 4th of January I-95 fiasco she has NOTHING to worry about. I have a pint paint can with a lid.. Roll of Toilet paper and three pints of alcohol as a heater. I get my survivor candles from church. They have candle light service at church and used them for 20minites with a total burn time of 6 hours, when they are done with them they are thrown away. Hundreds of them.. Free for the taking. Make a candle holder for a gallon metal can. Ive also got a one gallon can that I melt down candle pieces and make a three wick candle.. Just can't keep it in the car during the warm months but a perfect light & heat source for the fall & winter especially with such a stable base.. We both take medications so I have a case of bottled water in the trunk as well as 20k calories. Couple of ounces of meat protein at sunset will help the body to generate body heat. We have a medication to go bag that has a week's worth of medications. Great video. It's wonderful for the beginner to start thinking about preparedness. Miss you and Cody on the TV. Beards looking good too. Semper Fidelis Semper Paratus.
6 gallon buckets, if you can find them, are a little taller and comfortable for some. Everything Dave mentioned can most likely be stored in one.
Hi Dave, as always, love the video! Living in Queensland, Australia, cold is not really an issue🙂, however, we use mylar bubble wrap window screens to keep the heat out of the car. I'm thinking similar for the 4 sides of the cab/ windows in the cold would help keep the warmth inside. In fact, I'd love to see an experiment testing how much difference they would make. 2 of the same car , one with and one without the screens same time , same place , only run the engine 10 minutes/ hour. Test temperatures inside and outside through the night...
Hey, Dave! Great video! I have a suggestion for the storage/bathroom/kitty litter. For cat owners like my uncle, he buys these pretty heavy duty plastic containers of Tidy Cat kitty litter. They have a good amount of storage space, a top that is both completely removable as well as having a flap that can be opened for scooping without removing the whole lid, and a decent handle for transport. I do a lot of truck topper camping and these are GREAT for storage. They can store all of the things you mentioned in here (with perhaps the exception of the blanket, clothes and charging block) and are nice and squared off with a lid, a bonus perk to the bucket solution that may have a tendency to slide around or tip over. If you have cat-people that are in your life, they may well have a spare litter container you can have. And if you don’t, it’s seriously worth buying one for all of the uses that they bring to the table.
Also I think it is INSANE how few people don’t carry an MRE or two in their vehicle. For those unaware, MRE food requires nothing more than about two teaspoons of water (if that) to heat, they’re calorically dense, packaged so that they can be snacked on over a period of time, and have a extremely long shelf life.
I know I tend to pack for longer term emergencies given the nature of my hobbies, but seriously - a kitty litter tote (MAYBE two), a couple of MREs, and 30 minutes spent preparing, and you will make your temporary emergency situation SO much more comfortable than what it might be.
I've provided my family with back packs with all those items in it as gifts, I stocked them with enough to survive for 3 days and the back pack allows them to hike out of a situation. I also included strap on mini spikes for moving on ice, chemical hand and foot warmers, 3 ways to start fires, including artificial fire starting bricks (small), wool blanket, mylar blanket, small tarp, para cord, knife, headlamp, oil filled candle. My fear was always around going off the road into the woods and waiting for days to have someone find you. I also gave the PLBs
Great video Dave! Thought I'd add some suggestions, after being stuck in my truck a few times up in Canada through extremely cold weather.
Always keep some food on hand - a severe blizzard might last several days. Having dense caloric food will help provide fuel for the body to keep warm. A couple of MREs, a small stove to make soup, will make the situation more tolerable, boost morale and keep you warm. Also, Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries for flashlights and headlamps, they function down to -40. Handwarmers, feet warmers are also essential. An arctic sleeping bag, with a mylar blanket to use as an underlay.
An axe and shovel are a must. They can provide shelter and fuel for fire if the situation becomes very dire.
I'd also recommend a dual battery kit for the vehicle, if the vehicle is designed for it and it's within a persons budget. A winch, traction boards, chains are all nice extras as well.
I live in the mountains and I get lazy and don’t keep my “road box” in my vehicle. This is a great reminder. Having a battery is a nice comfort for my travel cpap. The bucket is something I get a lot of flack for until into needed. Also have a truckers pee container/empty bottles. Contractor bags are good too: I’ve used them to keel my feet from freezing with a puffy jacket when I’ve forgotten my sleeping bag. I started buying headlamps in bulk and stash them with batteries everywhere. A rhino strap with a ring for the trailer hitch is very useful too and not that expensive. People will stop to help but they don’t always have a strap. My wife runs cold and keeps a zero bag in her car. Water freezes so we keep
In a yeti to keep from freezing and carry a pocket rocket stove and a can of filet just in case: the emergency candles and a can is a great low cost alternative. Good content and stay safe out there! Something is always better than nothing.
Thanks Dave for this. I just wanted to give all us the heads up on a product called the NOCO boost plus GB40. It is a power brick, vehicle jump starter, and flashlight in one easy package.
Long before I took an emergency preparedness course, back when I started driving, I designated every trunk out of every car to have supplies in case of an emergency. Always food/water, but now a sleeping bag, Mylar, etc. Back then, the show “I shouldn’t have survived” was big, and one left a huge impression - enough to create the awareness for need of a kit 🙌🏻
I would have broken out my Kit and started a fire on the shoulder of the Interstate. LOL...
Probably one of the most relevant survival videos in recent memory.
So some of the people ended up being stuck about 36 hours on 95 and route 1. When we had snowmageddan a few years ago with 24-30 inches of snow some of my coworkers called back to the hospital saying they were sitting on beltway stuck without food, water, blankets or gas. They idled it all away to stay warm.
So I would add keep your gas tank at half or more. I always fill at half.
Also someone had a family member with fevers so keep a few medications like Tylenol, Advil, charcoal all times in the car. Also extra meds you are on.
I appreciate the video and have most of these items but you showed a couple “upgrades” I need to make.
Thanks, Dave, so tired of all the people who fail to plan, much less simply think ahead and delay travel! I will never forget my first active duty station. We had quarterly gear checks that included not only rapid deployment go bags but what we had in our POV for preparedness. I was used to it. I grew up this way guess I was lucky BOY SCOUTS BABY!
I hate how my friends and some other people think I'm a hoarder / crazy person. Just because I have a shovel, tarp, ax, saw, road flares, emergency backpack, wool blanket, cotton blanket, and a bunch of other things. Including dog hair and dirt LOL.
And I also started using pieces of cardboard as floor mats because of the snow and ice and salt that accumulates during the winter months and makes it easier to keep my car floor clean.
Good advice! Of course everyones got an opinion, so heres mine. Be sure to keep any needed medications in the vehicle. Not just for you, but also for spouse and children. Keep them in your first aid kit, set an alarm on your phone to rotate them each month. Thanks again for the good talk!
I like to think of my vehicle as an extension of my get home bag. Where I have a ranger roll in my backpack, I have a second poncho liner or wool blanket, sleeping pad and so forth. I learned to make my vehicle an extension of my ruck in Afghanistan. I love that you're doing this for people Dave.
In cold weather you're less likely to drink water. If you start to become dehydrated, your blood thickens and it can't get in the the capillaries in your fingers and toes. That is not good. You should be urinating every couple of hours. If you urine is very dark, you're dehydrated. Also, severe dehydration can lead to poor decision making. In a survival situation, you need to keep your wits!
Further to the excellent suggestions made in the video and the comments section I also use disposable hand warmers - they look like a big teabag and last for up to 8 hours. Put them inside your clothing but not directly next to your skin. I usually put one in my shirt pocket to help maintain body core temperature.
Playing cards and a couple of books can help to pass the time while you wait for rescue or for conditions to improve.
Of course not getting stuck in the first place is best. A (folding) shovel and a length of old carpet, say 40cm x 200cm, can help you to get moving when you have no traction on ice/snow especially if you are not in a 4WD vehicle.
Something simple to include: A little flashlight. If you drop your car keys outside in the dark, hard to find it with a candle on a windy night. Also, *a pair of suede work gloves / construction gloves,* so you can get better grip, better torque when using tools and not worry about splinters or "paper cuts" or ruining your keep-warm mitts. Trying to use bare hands on tire iron and replace a heat-conducting metal wheel rim and metal nuts & bolts, with salt or slush or water or snow on a cold windy day can make frost-bite happen way sooner or simply slow down the work while trying to re-warm your hands. On'ly costs about $3
Absolutely essential kit. Great job. Some of us have to learn the hard way. Thanks for throwing this out there.
Alot of people forget the basics it's good to have a reminder thanks Dave keep em coming.
Congratulations on the Fox interview Dave. They certainly picked the right guy. I have a small kit in my truck but it does need improvement. Great ideas that I will immediately implement.
We love your informed, current, and basic information, it could save a life, thankyou Dave!
I appreciate how practical and well thought out your advice is.
Awesome video Dave. Practical, no BS, easy to assemble kit.
Dave,Thank you for always sharing your wealth of knowledge and experience. I continue to learn from you each time I watch one of your videos. Again, thank you!
Outstanding as always, Dave!
Great video, Mr. Canterbury! Thanks for all you have done, and still do, to help us all be better prepared for what may come. Happy New Year to you, your family, and your staff!
Great material as always. Preparedness is king. Keep the great videos reeling in.
So much great advice and lots of lessons to learn from you! Thank you!
Thank you Dave, as always.
I just came across this video from a couple years ago. Canterbury did a fine job of outlining what we all should have stashed in our cars/trucks especially this time of year (January). You just never know when something weird is going to happen so why not be a little prepared? 20 or 30 years ago there was no one to easily and readily advise us on stuff like this. The internet made it all possible but the internet can't make you get prepared. You have to do it yourself. So do it!
grew up driving in winter conditions so my Dad was always making sure we were set up for anything! Thanks Dave, another great video!!!
Great video. People often overlook the importance of field sanitation.
Thanks brother. A lot of good information. I never even thought anything about the bucket and having to go to the bathroom. God bless you and your wonderful family. John
A package of those handwarmers would be nice too. Warm hands and feet would be nice.
The best advice ever, will definitely update my car emergency kit. Cheers for sharing mate.
Great information as always, thanks Dave
Dave you are always so informative!!!
Thanks Dave !
Big fan of yours for many years.
Excellent video, direct and very informative.
Keep them coming.
I live in Southern Wv and we always carry a 5 gallon bucket with emergency items in it and have for years!! Great video 👍🇺🇲👍
Thank you for all you do sir...
This happened to us in texas on I35 several years ago. I have/had a capable 4x4 and actually went down to deliver some goods to my moms coworkers husband who was stuck in his rig. It was amazing to me how ill prepared people were. I loaded my truck up with folks several times giving them rides to the nearest truck stop. Since then, there has been a winter kit in my wifes car.
Thank you for all you do!
Wonderful! So glad you addressed toilet needs!
Thank you David.
I was watching the follow up on the news earlyer about that incident, and i was like i hope somebody would do a video and show what to do and have in your vehicle about situation like this. And there you are! Thank you for sharing your knowlege. You are awesome.
For a softer seat, add a sliced pool noodle to hold plastic bag on 5 gallon bucket with the kitty liter.
Great video Dave! Thank you!
Dave we appreciate your advice !!
Thanks Dave that was a very great video on the basics. Like you mention you don’t need a lot to survive!
Hey Dave, thanks for sharing this and all of the other info you have shared over the years. Since I first started driving (only rear wheel cars and 4x4 trucks back then) I have always kept my tank at least half full in the winter time. Also kept bags of sand or cat litter in the trunk. I also keep hand/body warmers with me now. Use them under my sleeping bag when camping during deer season. I got stuck on 95 30 miles north of Richmond in an ice storm Dec of 1980. I was on my way back to LeJune. Fortunately after the 12 hour stoppage, I was still on time getting back to base. Happy New Year and take care.
Happy new years Dave and everyone.
Excellent suggestions.
When I am in Canada driving around I always keep items season water (case) food bars, warm clothing etc just in case.
It's a good habit to have as its better to have the items available and not need them than to be in need and not have it.
Great, essential, information Dave. Thanks for sharing brother
Always enjoy hearing your thoughts on things. Wish I would've seen you on Fox! That's cool
Very wise words Dave. Thank you.
Thanks Dave for the video.
I work on the highway in that area (not a plow guy don’t @ me) and I got stuck in one of the worst spots in the very beginning on Monday morning. I saw it turning into a survival situation pretty quick so I ditched my car and even my precious backpack and hiked down I’d say about 7 or 8 miles into familiar territory where I knew where I could dry off and warm up. I left my pack because in that particular situation being as light on my feet as possible was worth more than everything in the pack put together. My physical condition and my experience hiking, as well as watching videos like yours to stay in that survivalist mindset are what really came through for me.
Thanks for the video Mr.Canterbury, good advice and it always nice to know you got something with you in a pinch. I have used my things only once, sure glad I had it ,Made things a little nicer.
Great overview. I learned a few things I never thought of, but are pretty well stocked already. I've spent a couple unplanned nights in vehicles too so learned some things from both occasions - bring warm stuff and a shovel...
I'd love to see Kennedy come do one of your classes.
this is a really good video, Dave. I think its a great idea that you are addressing realistic emergencies that people are facing more and more often these days. Would be really cool to see you do a video on prepping for natural disasters etc. Best!
😎
If using bathroom & it’s possible, keep 1 & 2 separate! You Can dump 1 almost anywhere & possibly reuse 1 as a warmer.
A normal #2 will dry up quickly in kitty litter & smell will also weaken, Butt if you mix 1 & 2 it will keep increasing in oder. 🤢🤮
Excellent information as always Dave thank you for a couple of ideas👍.
Good information Dave. Thank you for that.
Thanks Dave for your wisdom!
The art of self reliance, i always liked Dave's ideas better than the others on tv
Excellent as always.
Some very good tips David, great content.
This was a great video. It was the first time I heard someone go into detail about this topic. Going to the bathroom is something that most don't cover. Great stuff.
Good to see you still survive'n Dave!
Great information Dave!!! I have been in those types of situations. Thank you Sir!!
I am glad I live in Florida and do not live in a snow zone. Great presentation loaded with common sense information. Everyone needs an emergency kit of some sort no matter where they live or traveling to. Keep up the great job you do.
David, good to see you. Essentials to keep in your vehicle. Bucket, good call, makes a good snow shovel in a pinch. Melting snow for water if needed. Small mess kit helps. Dry socks. Keep up the good information. Thank you and stay well David.
Thank you from Southern California.
Hey Dave!
great post thank you for taking the time to go over the road kit. I do have a blanket and plenty of food and water stashed in the car, but I never thought of the bathroom. The bucket with liner is an awesome idea, I have a long commute and have sacrificed a Nalgen bottle every now and then in a long traffic jam.
Stay safe sir
Best wishes
LD.