carry a survival pack in the Prius?

I have a first aid kit flashlight, gloves.

 

just a first aid kit and gloves

 

I carry a spare pair of glasses.

 

I have some duct tape, gloves, flex cuffs, a plastic tarp, rope, flashlight, and a small shovel.

Tom

 

Froley,

Sounds like you are prepared. I am a HAM Radio operator and a Pennsylvania Fire Police Officer. You are prepared better than most. I carry a box of road flares, first aide kit, fire helmet, blanket, gloves, coat, vest, pants, extra shirt all clothing with reflective material for being on the road, some basic tools. I have a small plastic tub with folding lid to keep these items in. I have a small hand held Tri-Band Ham radio, capable of transmitting on 6 meters, 2 meters and 440 MHz bands, powerful enough that I can talk into repeaters in PA, NY, NJ and DE anytime of the day. I also carry a Fire Police Radio. I usually carry water (especially in the summer), a can of peanuts.
Matches. Map books, jumper cables. I am in a pretty populated area, but occassionally go across state to more remote areas of PA. Much of my gear is essential as a first responder and you never know when you will get stuck some place. Having a basic survival kit, especially where you live is a very good idea. the only thing I would recommend is a communications radio.

I highly recommend finding a local HAM club in your area, picking up a book on learning HAM radio and taking the test for a Technician Class Lincense. It really is not that hard. basic knowing what frequencies you are allowed to use, basic radio operating skills and basic understanding of radio. There is no Morse Code requirement, the testing fee is around $5 if not free. No cost for the license and you can pick up a small hand held or mobile multiband ham radio for under $200. These radios work where cellphones don't. It is also good to carry a small book called a Repeater Directory put out by the ARRL which will have all active repeaters listed in the USA, Territories, and Canada. Once you get into this you will start learning all the active repeaters in your area and can program into your radio memory. It is a cheap investment and only takes a few hours of study to learn the material to pass the test.

The American Radio Relay League (ARRLWeb: ARRL Home Page), W5YI (W5YI : Resources for Amateur & Commercial Radio) , and QRZ.COM Callsign Database, are excellent resources. HAM radio is about emergency preparedness.

 

Wait till Jayman sees this.

 

Now that is just flat scary or kinky. I'm just saying

 

:twitch:

:evil:

But seriously, in summer I rarely have more than the basics (Small tool kit, small hydraulic jack, fire extinguisher, flares, advanced first aid kit, rain coat, gloves, condoms, etc)

In winter, I pack a snowsuit, small tent, emergency rations, etc

:smow:

A climate that can dip to -40 and colder, is just as deadly as one that can get up to +45 C, if you're not prepared. Some folks will complain the extra weight lowers fuel economy.

So does croaking due to a breakdown and no help nearby

 

I would never do without a basic tool kit. True enough if the Triangle of Doom turns on, it's probably nothing a wrench could fix. But every nagging breakdown I've had while in BFE has been due to a simple mechanical/hardware issue.

Eg: leak due to a loose hose clamp, loose part, etc

Oh, don't worry, not too many folks around here bother with survival gear. Even iffy cars are light years more reliable than cars of yesteryear.

It can be -40, blizzard conditions, and folks will be driving around with nothing more than trendy light boots, if they even have boots, most wear sneakers all year round. A light coat on the seat, I'd call it a Fall coat.

Then something happens, say the wind conditions cause a whiteout and they drive into the ditch. Or they get a flat tire. At -40 with -60 windchill factors. At those temps, it becomes life threatening

If they're lucky enough to have cellular coverage, they can call CAA for help. Except I guarantee that at -40, CAA is tied up 4-8 hours dealing with dead batteries, jump starts, and tows out of ditches

Then along comes Jay. He has a warm winter coat on the seat, and a snow suit in the back. His footsies are toasty warm with a pair of ugly, heavy Kamik

Kamik - CENTIGRADE

boots. So Jay stops, asks if everybody is ok, and helps them out.

His good deed done, he then drives off. Problem is, a lot of folks think some vague organization is just waiting to help them out when the s*** hits the fan.

Even here, the government does tell folks to be prepared to be on their own for at least 72 hours

http://www.getprepared.gc.ca/_fl/guide/national-eng.pdf

I personally feel it is your RESPONSIBILITY to be prepared to tough it out for much longer, at least 30 days. Depend on the government to rush to your aide? HA! With their usual efficiency

 

And a decomposing body can seriously reduce resale value.

Tom

 

So always get out of the car before death arrives, think about your relatives, OK.

 

Toyota First Aid Kit, small shovel, tent, emergency blanket, CPR pocket mask, BP cuff and stethescope, haha or i'm just a loser.

 

Or you're just into really kinky stuff. Just kidding, your line of work it's almost mandatory

 

Around here a "bug-out bag" often includes a small .22 pistol, or one of the neat AR-7 survival rifles and 10-20 rounds. It makes a good signal if nothing else. Smith & Wesson sells an "emergency" pistol in 44 magnum, but I can't imagine the emergency they have in mind for that cannon!

A hand-cranked multi-purpose radio/flashlight/charger is also good to have. When I lived in Oklahoma many people had a CB stashed away, also.

 

You sir, are truly prepared.

 

At -40C/F, it shouldn't have any impact on resale value, as long as the body is removed before the spring thaw.

 

So the Canadian federal government, and all the provinces, are a bunch of right-wing extremist survivalist militia types?

In my area, only some county preparedness officials seem to care about that. Almost everyone else is afraid of being tarred as a lunatic, and would much prefer to complain about government incompetence afterwards.

 

I threw that in to see if anybody was paying attention. I have to admit, I'm a wee bit disappointed that it took so long for somebody to notice

Nope, they just expect folks to actually take responsibility for their actions. The legal system in Canada doesn't allow for frivalous lawsuits like you would see in the US.