Emergency Car Kit

Emergency Car Kit Guidelines

We get into our car, turn on the engine and drive expecting that everything will be just fine. But a car is a mechanical thing and it is possible that it could breakdown in the most inappropriate place. Your car could breakdown in the middle of a snowstorm, in the heat of the desert or in the middle of nowhere.




So what do you do?

It is very important to keep an emergency car kit in your car, in case of a breakdown, an emergency or a disaster.

The following guidelines will ensure that you have the proper survival kits and supplies in your car to prepare you and your family in case of an emergency:

Emergency Food
It is recommended that you keep at least a 3-day supply of emergency food in your car to prepare in case of a long-term emergency. Regular store bought food does not store safely for more than a few months. Survival food such as food bars that are ready to eat, that can withstand extreme temperatures and have up to a 5 year life span are a good option.

Emergency Water
It is recommended that you keep at least a 3-day supply of emergency drinking water in your emergency car kit. Due to the extreme temperatures that can happen inside your car, bottled water will not store safely for more than a few months. Since water is essential to your survival, each auto emergency kit should have long-term storage box water, such as Datrex, Aqua Bilox or a similar product.

Emergency Shelter Supplies
If the weather is too hot or too cold and you get stranded in your car or need to walk to a different location for safety, you will need emergency shelter supplies. It's a good idea to have thermal blankets for warmth, ponchos for weather protection and a tube tent for shelter.

Additional items to include in your car emergency kit:

• Flashlight
  
• Booster cables
  
• Shovel
  
• Gloves
  
• Maps
  
• Tire pressure gauge
  
• Tire repair kit and pump
  
• Flares or LED Flasher
  
• Toilet paper
  
• Money
  
• Battery powered radio
  
• Extra batteries
  
• Paper and pencil
  
• Prescription medications
  
• White flag to hang on antenna to signal for help

The Following are Car Emergency Guidelines

Earthquake
It's safer to remain in your car rather than outside even though your car might shake to the point of making you feel uncomfortable.

• When it is safe, come to a complete stop.
  
  
• Stay in your car until the earthquake shaking stops.
  
  
• Do not go under Utility lines, overpasses or anything that may fall onto your car.

Tornado
During a tornado a car is not a safe place to be.

• You should get out of your car immediately.
  
  
• Find a safe building where you can protect yourself. If there are no buildings, find a ditch or depression in the ground and lie flat with face down and your arms covering your head.

Flood
When driving on a road, be aware that the floodwater level can rise quickly and can be deeper than it appears.

• If there is water on the road do not drive through it.
  
  
• Stop the vehicle and get out of the car, when it is safe.
  
  
• Go to higher ground.
  
  
• Do not wade through floodwaters that are rapidly flowing or are above your knees.

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