This information, from the Iowa State Patrol, might save your life if you're stranded in your vehicle.

Make your own Coffee Can Survival Kit:

• Use a two- or three-pound coffee can.
• Punch three holes at top edge of can, an equal distance apart.
• Cut a 60-inch length of twine or heavy string into three equal pieces to suspend the can.

Place in the can:

• 2 large safety pins - pin to the interior and suspend the can over a candle
• 1 2"-diameter candle - place on lid under suspended can for melting snow
• 1 pocket knife, reasonably sharp - may substitute scissors
• 3 pieces of bright cloth 2" wide X 36" long - tie to antenna or door handle
• Several packets of soup, hot chocolate, tea, bouillon cubes, etc. - mix into the melted snow to provide warmth and nutrition
• 1 small package of peanuts - provides protein
• 1 small package of fruit-flavored candy; i.e., orange slices jelly beans, etc. - avoid chocolate
• 1 pair cotton athletic socks
• 1 pair cotton glove liners
• 2 packages book matches
• 1 sun-shield blanket or 2 large green or black plastic leaf bags - reflect body heat & reduce loss of heat due to wind
• 1 pen light and batteries - keep separate
• Any personal medications

If you have a three-pound can, add:

• Band-aids
• Aspirin
• Small radio
• Other items you might find useful

If there is still room left:

• Increase the quantity of any of the above items, or improvise items you might feel necessary.

When complete:

• Place a stocking cap over the kit and carry it in the passenger compartment of your car.

Survival tips:

• STAY IN YOUR CAR UNTIL HELP ARRIVES
• To call for assistance you can call 1-800-525-5555 from any land-line cellular phone, or 511 on a cellular phone in most areas.
• Remember, hypothermia (rapid loss of body temperature) can happen to anyone!

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