Importance of emergency kit Many of us drive short and long distance each day, and more often than not we forget to supply ourselves with an emergency kit. There are various hazards during travel, and may require needed supplies should there be an accident or if the car cannot start and you are stranded. In one case a man froze to death in his car during a blizzard, it was discovered that he didn’t have a blanket or any supplies that may have helped him survive. Although, this is a more extreme example we never know what threats we have to face while traveling. It is also important to note that more often than not we may end up using some of the emergency kit on a regular basis. For example, jumper cables can be used to help jumpstart your car or to help someone else who needs assistance. By having emergency items available you can help protect yourself and others should the opportunity present itself.
Emergency checklist So what should be in your emergency kit? The items selected can vary, and really depend on personal preference. One may want to invest a lot of money with hi-tech items with solar power capability to survival gear. On the other hand someone may just want the minimum to at least have something in the car. Regardless of your choice it is important to plan out what items you want and what you are trying to protect yourself from. Here are some basic emergency items that can be easily obtained to get a kit started:
Hand crank flashlight—can be used without batteries and uses kinetic energy by turning a handle. First aid kit—should include basic items such as band aids, Neosporin, etc… Charged cell phone—Make sure your cell phone is charged or has an extra battery. Warning triangles—Helps traffic to move over if your vehicle is having problems. Jumper cables—can be used to jumpstart the car if the battery fails. Flashlight with extra batteries Drinking water Multipurpose utility tool—this maybe a Leatherman Tool or a Gerber Knife Tool. Blanket, gloves, extra coat if traveling in the cold.
Again there can be variations on this list depending on traveling location and circumstances, but you can develop a foundation. Also adding food like protein bars or other freeze dried food items that store well
in a vehicle. You can also base you kit based on how many people normally travel in the vehicle and plan accordingly. Making a plan ahead of time and acquiring the items you will be prepared for possible threats on the road. Photo Credit: severeweatherwiki.wikispaces.com, farm6.staticflickr.com