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The more I teach survival skills the more precautions I take. Here are a few things to
check before you set off for the mountains. Remember, any trip to the mountains could turn
into a survival situation, so be prepared. Your mind will be at rest knowing your family
and friends will be able to survive in the event of an emergency.
- Check the tires, especially your spare. Make sure they have good tread and are properly
inflated. A good rule of thumb for air pressure is 35lbs. Make sure you have a jack that
works and a board to place it on for security on sand or rocky soil.
- Check your cooling system. Make sure you have enough antifreeze that will function in
below zero temperatures without freezing. Check all hoses by pinching them, they should be
soft and supple and have no signs of cracking, or any leaks around the clamps.
- Check your alternator and fan belts. All belts should be tight with no signs of cracking
or shredding. If you replace a belt that is still operational, save it for a spare in an
emergency.
- Check your battery and cables. Remove all of the corrosion on the terminals with a 10:1
mixture of water and baking soda. This will neutralize the acid. The battery cables should
be clean and tight.
- Check all fluids in your car for proper levels, including the engine and transmission
oil, antifreeze, windshield cleaner and de-icer and battery water. Make sure you have
plenty of gas to get where you want to go, don't take a chance of running out in a snow
storm.
- If you are not familiar with your vehicle, a good way to start the winter season is with
a complete tune-up, it could save your life.
- Use a current map of the area and tell someone where you are going, what routes you'll
be taking and when you will return. If you find yourself going down a road that is getting
worse, turn around, the farther you go into the wilderness, the less a road is traveled,
so conditions will not get better and may even trap you. Hundreds of travelers die
needlessly because they are not prepared for an emergency.
USE COMMON SENSE
CalTrans Road Conditions: 800-427-7623
AAA Snow Report: 415-864-6440
CalTrans Road Conditions: 800-427-7623
AAA Snow Report: 415-864-6440
Here are a few things that I have in my vehicle at all times in the event of an
emergency.
- Tire chains. Make sure they fit before you need them in the snow and it's a good idea to
keep a chain repair kit handy.
- A basic tool kit with jumper cables. The cold weather is very hard on batteries
- Emergency road flares. "This is a must." I can't stress enough how important
flares are in an emergency. They're also great for starting a fire when all you have is
wet wood.
- An extra set of dry clothes, name brand insulated boots with wool socks, a sleeping bag,
foul weather gear, insulated gloves, jackets and headgear. Wool clothing or a wool blanket
is important because it will keep you warm even when wet.
- An emergency survival pack with high energy food bars, like Stoker or Clif Bars, dried
fruit or jerky (I make my own). Food is a luxury, but water is a necessity, so have have
plenty of extra drinking water and water purification tablets with you. Hydrate or die!
- A signaling mirror, matches, disposable lighters and a multi-purpose knife. The
leatherman "Super Tool", is what our outdoor groomer, patrollers and snow
removal people use. I have not seen a better tool on the market.
- You'll need a good, heavy duty flashlight. I have a Petzel(TM) "Hands Free"
head lamp, which I highly recommend, and keep extra batteries for emergencies.
- In every pack there should be a compass, a whistle (use instead of yelling), a space
blanket, small tarp, pencil and paper, large garbage bags, duct tape, woven line, a small
shovel, tow rope, windshield ice scraper and a First Aid Kit. (A cellular phone also comes
in handy.)
There are some very important things to be aware of in any emergency
situation. You must keep a positive mental attitude and don't panic. Stay calm and use
your head, it is your best survival tool in any situation.
It's very important to protect yourself from exposure. The wind-chill factor increases
your risk of hypothermia and frostbite. Most cases of hypothermia occur well above
freezing. If you run your vehicle to keep warm, be aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide
poisoning. Remember, a raised hood on your vehicle lets people know you need help.
These items are only some of the bare essentials you may need in an emergency. I
encourage you to educate yourself and be prepared.
Have a Safe Winter - Gene "Wild Wild" West
URL: http://www.tahoesbest.com/Skiing/winter_travel.htm
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