Update: Thanks once again, to everyone who hit the tip jar in the past day. The support of readers here continues to amaze me, and you’ve helped ease some of the financial sting of losing my little road warrior. Your generosity is deeply appreciated – (as are the light hearted remarks in the comments thread).
On a more serious note, please take a few moments to think about what you would do in a similar situation. I have an evacuation plan as part and parcel of those long trips to dog shows – and it helped, especially when it came to getting the dogs we had with us out of their crates and to safety. The electric windows were inoperative, so getting vehicle doors open quickly was imperative. Luckily the water wasn’t too deep and the van only partially submerged.
(Original post continues below)
Things may be slow here for a day or two. We took an unexpected detour on the way home from a weekend fishing trip on Hwy20 south of Drake. No one was injured – outside of my dead, wet van.
As you might imagine, I have a lot on my plate in the next few days and blogging will have to take a back seat.
I’ve seen these for $10 at the Home Hardware cash registers.
http://resqme.com/US/
For when the windows are up and the doors can’t be opened due to the snowbank/ice/mud you’re stuck in. Think I’ll get one, just in case.
You might also consider a seat belt cutter, which I keep in the driver side door compartment; in the event the seat belt retainer doesn’t release and you need to get out of a submerging vehicle in a hurry…
Cheers
Hans Rupprecht, Commander in Chief
1st Saint Nicolaas Army
Army Group “True North”
That never would have happened if you had gotten yourself a hovervan.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QcKSZZsG11I
Hans, what do you use for a seat belt cutter?
@ Hans, and Al_in_Ottawa,
I’ve one of the rescue me tools, I haven’t had to use it yet, but it looks like it could easily break a side window, and it does have a built in seatbelt cutter. You yank it off your keychain, which exposes the cutter.
In 2009 someone in our neighboring town drove into a flooded side road, he didn’t realize how deep the water was, and didn’t survive. I’ve given out some of the tools to other people I know who travel the same area.
Glad you & yours, are okay. Just out of curiosity. Do the dogs have life jackets?
I believe one needs these kinds of devices for saving one’s self in case of a car wreck (knock on wood):
http://www.ehow.com/list_7665579_glass-breaking-tools.html
Good to have you with us, Kate.
Yes, drowning really sucks, I had 3 go around’s as a youngster with my dad fishing me out at about 4 years old from a lake, once in a riptide, and once with skis into a whirlpool.
In answer to your question:
Swiss Tech BGCSBK BodyGard Emergency Hammer with LED Flashlight and Seat Belt Cutter
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZuLsz4yPPM
METRIC – Breathing Underwater [Official Video]
Is this my life?
Ahhh
Am I breathing underwater?
Contrary to the above musical number above Breathing Underwater really doesn’t work very well sans aqualung…I know I have tried!
I consider drowning to be very annoying, hence the belt cutter, window punch.
My wife was all concerned, during recent holidays, as I went swimming with the fishes, in the Adams River where the white water rafts clear the rapids…the speed swimming lessons have still got a payoff all these years later, with increased lung capacity!
Cheers
Hans Rupprecht, Commander in Chief
1st Saint Nicolaas Army
Army Group “True North”
Yet another reminder of what a smart leader-of-the-free-world we missed out on by Romney coming second*.
Regarding the resqme tool or whatever glass breaker – and seat belt cutter you have it should be securely tied down. In accidents, particularly rollovers, everything loose in a door pocket will end up someplace you can’t reach it or it will hit you in the head, glove boxes pop open and the contents end up under the seat, etc.
A 72 year old lady of my acquaintance fell asleep at the wheel and ended up with the car sliding on it’s roof down a treed 45degree slope. She was struck by just about everything that was loose in the passenger cabin, particularly her purse.
Regarding the Knipex Cobolt cutters, I strongly suggest buying the spring loaded version to facilitate one handed use.
Situations such as yours could likely require a cutting tool to be used one handed. I use mine when fishing in case a large northern or muskie decides to connect itself to me via a large treble hook.
Expect to pay upwards of $100 but it is one tool worth twice the price in my view. It really is that good.
Other bolt cutters are complete crap compared to these. No…I don’t sell them or work for Knipex.
The Youtube video below shows these tools and is accurate. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFiec1f0YSg
As to where to buy them,google KNIPEX TOOLS CANADA.
They are hard to find in Canada and maybe Sears or Lowes can help. They are readily available in the U.S. and far cheaper.
Well I rattled the tip jar a little. I hope it helps.
You still owe us a story though about why you were bogging in a mini-van… 🙂
Formerly known as Texas before the site security re-hash.
Didn’t realize the situation was that serious. Glad you got out ok!
Glad to hear all are safe and sound.
Victorinox has a well – reviewed rescue tool that includes a serrated locking blade that can be opened with one hand, a one hand belt cutter, glass saw for shatterproof glass, and a window breaker. Looks stout, and the blades and grip are bigger tan pocket knife size.
Got to go hit the tip jar.
Kate
I had your mailing addy, but mister stupid ate the damn thing, that’s Boo, my one dog, so yes the dog ate it is some times a fact:-)))
plz E-mail it to me and a cheque will get sent…thanx in advance
My mailing addy is Box 579, Delisle SK S0L 0P0
Al “the fish”: You shouldn’t need instruments to get you out from under water ~ should you?
Kate, something is in the mail (one of the 3 big lies:-))))to help replace your submarine…..erm van!!