Make Your Own Coffee Can Survival Kit
• A 2- or 3-pound coffee can. Punch three holes in the top edge, spaced equally.
• A 60-inch piece of twine, cut into three roughly equal pieces. This is used to suspend the can.
• Two large safety pins for suspending the can.
• A candle, two inches in diameter. Place on the lid under the suspended can to melt snow.
• One sharp pocket knife or a pair of sharp scissors.
• Three pieces of bright cloth, 2" x 36", to tie to antenna and door handles.
• Several packets of instant soup, hot chocolate, tea, and bouillon cubes to mix with the melted snow.
• A small package of peanuts.
• A small package of fruit-flavored candy — avoid chocolate.
• A pair of cotton athletic socks.
• A pair of cotton glove liners.
• Two books of matches.
• A sun shield blanket or two large plastic leaf bags. The bags reflect body heat and reduce heat loss from wind.
• A pen light and batteries. Keep the batteries separate.
• Any personal medications.
• If you have a 3-pound can, you will have additional room for adhesive bandages, aspirin, and a small radio.
• If there is still room left, you can increase the quantity of any of the above items.
When completed, place a stocking cap over the kit and carry in the passenger compartment of your car.
Remember: Hypothermia can happen to anyone!
Source: Illinois State Police, Springfield.
Sources
• Meredith Goodrick, RN, BSN, Quality Manager, Munson Home Care, 1105 Sixth St., Traverse City, MI 49684. Telephone: (616) 935-7156.
• Anita Rutzen, RN, BSN, Director of Performance Improvement/Staff Development, Western Illinois Home Health Care, P.O. Box 856, Monmouth, IL 61462. Telephone: (309) 734-9376.
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