Personally-owned vehicles — Winter safety kit recommended Published Oct. 19, 2007 By Troy Weaver 90th Space Wing safety office F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo. -- The weather conditions in Wyoming switch between the two extremes of summer and winter. With winter drawing near, Warren members should be cautious of getting caught in the snow without the proper survival kit. "The weather changes here so quickly," said Troy Weaver, 90th Space Wing safety. "It could be 60 degrees in the morning and turn into a blizzard in the afternoon." Anyone unexpectedly caught in a snowstorm can be without help or contact for hours, if not days. To rectify this danger, every government-owned vehicle is required to carry winter survival kits as of Monday. As a safety tip, Mr. Weaver recommends the use of kits in personally-owned vehicles as well. When gathering supplies for a kit, be sure to cover the three main categories of survival: water, food and warmth, said Mr. Mike Woods, 90th SW safety. Most military kits include numerous items and clothing suited to help in times of crisis: -Bottled water -Meals ready to eat -Cold weather coat or parka -Extra footwear -Thermal underwear Survival depends not only on the contents of the safety kit, but by being aware of the surroundings and general knowledge of how to deal with disasters. If ever in doubt, these are a couple of reminders to consider. "Stay in your vehicle. Disorientation occurs quickly in wind-driven snow and cold," Mr. Weaver warns. "If you have a cellular phone, call for help. Watch our for carbon monoxide poisoning by keeping the exhaust pipe clear of snow and open a window slightly for ventilation. "Do mild exercises to sustain circulation," Mr. Weaver added. "Avoid staying in one place too long. If more than one person is in the car, take turns sleeping." To avoid the situations that would require the use of a cold weather survival kit, get prepared, Mr. Woods said. "Get your vehicle checked out. If your tires have no tread, you're not helping anyone," Mr. Woods added. "There's no shame in driving slow. The number one cause for winter accidents is driving too fast for conditions. Also, get experience and practice. You won't get any practice if during the next snowstorm you stay hidden in the barracks." Some of the recommended items for a winter car survival kit: -Shovel -Sand, salt or kitty litter -Traction mats -Tow chain -Compass -Cloth or roll of towels -Warning light or road flares -Extra clothing and footwear -Emergency food pack -Axe or hatchet -Booster cables -Knife -Waste containers -Ice scraper and brush -Water-proof matches or lighter -Road maps -Matches and a 'survival' candle in a deep can -Methyl hydrate for fuel line and windshield de-icing -Fire extinguisher Kept in cab of car: -Flashlight with extra batteries -First-aid kit -Blanket or sleeping bags -Non-perishable, high energy foods It's all about safety. Be prepared for cold weather months. Have a cold weather survival kit in the car, Mr. Weaver said.