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.