Winter specific tools

 

Hi gang.

 

As you recall, I wrote about snow issues a while back. (OK, it was January 2021)

https://rvadisasterprep.blogspot.com/2021/01/snowing-is-it-disaster.html

 

But what tools do you need for your car and home?

 

Well, you are a bit more limited in the space you have for a car.

In your car, you need the tools to get out of a problem and get home safely.

These are specific tools to the car.

Lets talk about that.

Of course, one of the things you will want to do is keep gas in the car. I recommend keeping the tank at least half full, because that gives you some range- half the range of your car. Most cars have a range of around 300 miles on a full tank, so you should have at least 150 miles of gas in your car. If you are running an electric car (Tesla or Chevy or Hyundai or Toyota or any other all electric) you have a different problem. The cold reduces the ability of the battery to charge and retain the charge and the heat in the car is parasitic of the battery. You may want to keep the battery closer to 75% in the winter, simply because ethe battery is less efficient.

But you should also have some other things handy in the car.

As I wrote in the prior article, there are traction solutions, including a foldable mat, chains, even sand and kitty litter can help with creating traction so you can go. 

Rope or chain or even a come-a-long may be a wise choice. There are some tie-down straps that can act as a come-a-long but will definitely be slower. But in a pinch they can work.

Remember to do the maintenance on your car. Change the oil, check the tires and brakes, and belts and hoses.  That battery jump box could be a real life-saver (unless you are in an all electric car, then you are on your own).

An ice scraper and brush are good ideas. I have used a spatula to scrape the frost off my car, but a proper scraper goes a long way.

I also recommend carrying some food and water with you. Even if its just a couple of granola bars and a couple of bottles of water, it can be very important to your comfort, and may just be what is necessary to keep you alive.

I also recently read an article about a father and daughter who got in a car wreck during a snow storm, They tried to walk to help. They froze to death because they did not have cold weather gear with them, so take clothing appropriate for the weather, and for changes in weather. A spare wool blanket or 2 would be a good move as well. They can be used for warmth, and even used to make a hasty tent, if you have some rope or paracord.

 

In your home, you have much more flexibility and space.

In the prior article I wrote about the need for snow control on your roof, and on your driveway and walkway. I also talked about cold injuries (hypothermia, frost nip and frost bite). I mentioned the issue of fire, and that a fire can be devastating, so an extinguisher check is highly recommended. Check your electric cords for fraying. Check on your kerosene heather.

You should consider what home maintenance tools you have. Hand tools that are not electric may be a good investment. Battery powered tools are fine if you can recharge them, but if the power is out for a week or more, what is your plan?

This may also be a good time to invest in a gas generator. In a true “grid down” situation, I would rather have a solar generator, but a solar system sufficient to run what you need could be very expensive, and a gas generator to run the fridge and HVAC should be under $1000. If its only one or the other, you may be able to do it for under $500. Will you need it? Who knows.

 Anyway, these are some things to think about for tools and equipment for an emergency.