Include items in your survival kit which can heat up the car. To warm up a car that has died by the side of the road in a blizzard, certain items are proven to be effective. A large metal coffee can is the perfect size for a roll of toilet paper. If you find yourself stranded, place the roll in the can and pour some isopropyl alcohol on it. Place it in a safe place towards the middle of the car and light it. Be sure that you have a window cracked open. The cold is going to enter anyway and you want what little smoke there is to exit the car. This will produce a clean flame that will burn for hours and provide enough warmth to keep you alive until help arrives.
Pack candles. Another way to warm up the interior of a car in freezing weather is with a medium candle placed in a metal coffee can. Again crack a window. The warmth of one candle can raise the temperature enough to keep you alive. Two candles in two cans are even better. Of course the extra jackets, blankets,hats, gloves, socks, and long underwear that you packed in your winter survival kit will help also.
Have a way to signal someone for help from the car. A cell phone will work great if you have a useful signal. A flashlight can be used to signal in the dark and aid in reading car manuals, etc.
Include food and water in your survival kit. This is important to keep up your energy if you have to remain with your vehicle over a prolonged period. This does happen in remote places in severe weather. Nuts, dried fruit and candy bars will provide nutrition and energy. Bottled water will keep you hydrated.
Keep your survival kit current. Making a list of things you need for your survival kit is an easy way to remember to pack it during winter months. It is also a good way to ensure there are fresh batteries in your flashlight, extra batteries, dry, new matches or good lighters, or new food and water.
