Staying warm
Lylah M. Alphonse, Globe Staff, 11/18/01

It has its strong points

The Life Hammer is one tool that should be in your car at all times, but especially on long drives. Its recessed blade can slice through a jammed seat belt, and two heavy steep points can shatter a side window, allowing you to escape from a crashed, overturned, or submerged car. Prices range from $19.95 to $39.95. Call 888-643-8688 to order from the manufacturer or 800-903-2878 through the Herrington catalog. It's also available online at www.midnight-pass.com, www.pentagondefense.com and www.lifehammer.com

Weather -- or not

The Grundig Storm Chaser weather radio picks up continuous, region-specific broadcasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, so you can always find out if storm weather lies ahead. it also has an AM-FM band, so you can catch the rest of the news or tune into music. The radio is 4 inches long and 2 2/3 inches wide, powered by two AA batteries and, of course, resistant to the weather it broadcasts. It coast $29.95 at Restoration Hardware stores in Chestnut Hill (617-641-6770) and downtown Boston (617-578-0088), through the catalog and online at www.restorationhardware.com

Back-seat gamesmanship

Banish the "Are we there yet?" blues! Hasbro has several new electronic games for children and adults that are small enough to tuck into a carry-on bag or take in the car. Test your reflexes with Heads up pub pushing in parts of the robot's face before another part pops out. Simon2 is an updated version of the old classic, with twice as many lights-and-sound challenges. the games sell for about @$20 each t toy stores and online at www.etoys.com, www.toyrus.com, www.dmartstores.com and www.kbtoys.com

Lylah M. Alphonse's e-mail address is lalphonse@globe.com">lalphonse@globe.com.