I have an opportunity

[rvans]

Over the weekend my wife and I watched a story on the Weather Channel about a couple who were stranded in the snow for several days without any supplys. I have been trying to recruit her into the preping fold but she thinks I'm a little "crazy". This show opened her eyes a bit and she mentioned she should get some "stuff" to keep in her car. EUREKA! I'm going to get her a bag and a few items to keep in her trunk for Valentine's Day. How about some suggestions as to what a basic car bag should contain?

[1Admin]

Flowers, chocolate, card (I don't understand that one), something shiney if money permits and if she's been good ;)

Get her a car kit AFTER that.

[MustangGal]

Flowers, chocolate, card (I don't understand that one), something shiney if money permits and if she's been good ;)

Get her a car kit AFTER that.

Smart man!

[Grinnan Barrett]

Amen to what 1Admin said. get her the kit but not for Valentines.

Remember people see shows and are then on a high. The high wears off and then you go back to square one. Start slow with your spouse. Don't try to give everything to her in one big dose. tell her how much she means to you and that is why you put the kit together for her to have. Make it personal. This is not being deceptive it is more the fact that you are probably like most of us guys. WE do not communicate feelings well. People in general respond better to sincere feelings expressed in the right way.

My wife is a tough case since she does not like Jewelry, flowers, candy or cards. I guess I will buy her a pie. GB

[EX121]

1 Admin is a smart man. If the woman ain't happy, ain't nobody happy!

But in my opinion, start with thinking "What If?" Up here it's very likely to be stuck on the Pass for snow removal, avalanche control etc. So I have warm clothing, sleeping bag, wool blanket, flashlight, & snacks, besides the jumper cables, tire chains, & a tarp.

Basically think, ok what could happen? For how long? Then what can be done to mitigate the it?

And chocolates almost always work (can't hurt).

[rvans]

I failed to mention that we watched the show while on a weekend retreat to a bed and breakfast up in the mountians...a Valentine present for her.

[Matt In Oklahoma]

not the only thing for V day but if you do it for v day explain that it is to keep her safe because you dont want anything bad to happen to her, cant live without her etc etc
and when you do it:
small and light enough for her so it will be very basic
bottle water
straw/bottle filter
poncho
lighter
energy bars-snacks that she likes, not what you like
small but powerful flashlight/headlamp
emergency blanket
gloves
map
noise device like whistle or personal body alarm
handgun if possible
decent pocket knife
pepper spray
first aid kit
feminine hygiene and explain the use for fire starting and first aid with them too

[MustangGal]

You might think about what she wears to work or out and about. I have some cute boots I love, but I would hate to hoof it home wearing them! We tend to wear clothes that aren't always practical, so a change of clothes/shoes might be a good idea.

[EX121]

Add toilet paper to the list, maybe all in a nice small backpack.

[Matt In Oklahoma]

My wife is very limited on what she can physically carry and even more on what she will "let" me put in her trunk LOL so this is what I came up with along with the fleece blanket, gloves, tools, maps etc etc already in there.


Single Sling pack with some carabiners


Firestarter kit with lighter, charcloth, lint, whistle and can opener


Earth colored rain gear, mainstay bar, first aid kit, hand warmers, whistle-light combo, emergency blanket, cinamin bread (actually has alot of protein but dont tell them that), bug repellent disc, flashing-constant led light, kershaw knife, mt house ice cream, wise meal, razor blade


Her camelbak


fish kit(multiple uses), flashlight, firekit, fire steel (large size), bright colored poncho, water filter straw

I know it's not a ton but weight is a real issue with her and hopefully my daughter will be near with her bag as well.

[Matt In Oklahoma]

these attachments go on or around bottled water in case she has more with her which she usually does.

Nothing about this screams survivalist really, maybe you can show her this and it will help

[tarheelsman71]

My wife suffers from the term "normalcy bias." She just cant fathom that things could get so bad that all my prepping would actually be necessary. On the otherhand, she, on occasion, admits that my constant vigilance and ability to see things happening just by paying attention, will one day save our lives. She just doesnt want to "live" with that hanging over her head. But, I convinced her to attend the CCW class (albeit with about 4 members of her family) for her own edification. She loved the class and enjoyed the shooting. When the Castle doctrine became effective Dec 1st in NC the rules changed and she wanted to head to the range more often to shoot. If your wife doesnt have her conceal carry, I would send her there for Valentines. But I would definitely do something else though! :) I always told her that she needs to have her CCW in case I leave a pistol in her car and for some reason she goes thru a police checkpoint, etc. but now she is glad that she did, because the gun laws in most states are crazy stupid. I just bought a black messenger bag off of amazon for 24.99, and I plan to give her a little go bag as well. She always admires how I always seem to have "that thing" that we need, so I hope to inspire her to the same level. But baby steps. :) Good luck.