SALT LAKE CITY -- The probability of a disaster happening while you are away from home is very high. So an important component of any emergency preparedness plan would include having a well-stocked car.
There are also times when you may need to evacuate or be stranded in your car. Having your car stocked to help you survive will give you a lot more peace of mind and help you stay calm and focus on the important things in these situations.
Prepare your car now by keeping your gas tank above half-full, always check the weather and road conditions before a trip and keep up on your car's maintenance.
Since you may not be at home and may not have the chance to go back and get your disaster supplies kits (72-hour kits or grab bags), you will want to keep a smaller version in the trunks of each of your cars.
Car Kits might include:
- First aid kit and manual
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Cellphone, charger
- Roadside assistance card
- Portable radio and extra batteries
- Fire extinguisher (five-pound ABC type)
- Extra fuses
- List of important phone numbers (local and out-of-town)
- Detailed maps
- Waterproof matches and candles
- Whistle and small mirror
- Pen, pencils, paper
- Cash (bills and coins)
- Flares or hazard reflectors
- Jumper cables
- Properly inflated spare tire
- Jack, lug wrench, tire gauge
- Basic tool kit
- Windshield scraper and brush
- Small folding shovel
- Duct tape
- Sand for traction
- Rags, paper towels, wet wipes, and diapers if you have small kids
- Water (for drinking and in case your car overheats)
- Bleach
- Nonperishable food (focus on high energy) also you may want a bottle and formula if you have a baby
- Hand can opener
- Medications
- Toiletries
- Emergency blankets, hand warmers
- Extra clothes, gloves, hats, sturdy shoes
Perhaps some of these ideas get you thinking about what you might need to prepare your car for emergencies and disasters that could happen.
I would love to hear about any ideas you might have in addition to what I have listed.
A great resource to review is FEMA's website you can find it at http://www.fema.gov/
You can find more information and tips about food storage, emergency preparedness and provident living by visiting my blog at http://providentprincess.com/
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