Cold Exposure: Emergency Equipment

Topic Overview

You may be able to prevent cold exposure by having emergency equipment with you if you do outdoor sports or activities. Your equipment may include:

• 2 or 3 fire-starting kits and a cigarette lighter.
• A pocketknife.
• A wire saw, to cut large pieces of wood for an emergency fire.
• A space blanket, to be used as a windbreaker and heat reflector.
• Large plastic leaf bags, to wrap around you and over your backpack for quick rain and wind protection.
• Low-temperature electrician's tape, for general repairs to space blankets, clothing, tents, or boots.
• An Ensolite pad, to sit or sleep on.
• A headlamp, to allow you to use both of your hands. Remember extra bulbs and batteries.
• A map and compass.
• Extra clothing, drinking water, and food.
• Sunglasses and sunscreen.
• Snow shovel on trips where snow is expected.
• Signaling equipment, such as a whistle, mirror, flares, or a parachute cloth to float in the air.
• A first aid kit.
• A thermometer.
• Chemical hot packs.