Making Your Vehicle Disaster Prepared

We are commuters who travel no matter what the weather situation may be, spending a great deal of time on the road. For this reason, it is important to have a survival kit in your vehicle. This simple check list can be assembled in an afternoon.

Gather supplies:

A sturdy plastic storage box with a tight fitting lid. Make sure the box is large enough to hold the following items:

• A gallon of drinking water.
• Non-perishable foods, canned meats, crackers, energy bars, and dried fruit. Make sure you update and replace these foods every six months.
• Flashlight, check batteries every 6 months, and keep extra batteries with the flashlight.
• In cold weather areas, several votive candles, holders and water proof matches. The candles will melt in heat, so carry them only in the winter. If stranded in the snow, lighting candles will help create heat.

Make a small separate zip lock bag to hold the following hygiene products: unscented baby wipes, hand sanitizer, and a small box of Kleenex. Add this to the big box.

Make a small separate box with first aid supplies.  Band-Aids in assorted sizes, antibiotic ointment, individual alcohol wipes, aspirin, instant ice and heat compresses and a ace bandage. Add this into the larger box. Top off the box with a blanket for warmth, consider a down blanket if you live in a cold, snowy area of the country.

It’s a good idea to keep a pair of tennis shoes in the car at all times. If you live in a rural area and you know the odd of getting stuck or stranded is likely, include rain gear and a change of clothing.

Pack a car emergency box as well. The following checklist will help you assemble car care supplies. Use a sturdy plastic box to hold the following:

• Jumper cables.
• Basic car repair tools, screwdrivers, pliers, adjustable wrench, vise grips, and hammer.
• Tire pressure gauge, and a can of pressurized tire inflator.
• Pocket knife
• Roll of duct tape
• Assorted sizes of hose clamps
• Four road flares
• A lighter or water proof matches
• Two quarts of oil
• A gallon of antifreeze

A money survival kit:

Keep a roll of quarters and other small change in your car. Have five to ten one dollar bills. A prepaid credit card will allow you to have money for an emergency without the risk of someone stealing you main bank credit card. Make sure you understand any expiration dates on the cards and if there are extra surcharges to use the card.

Keep a prepaid cell phone in your car at all times. Make sure to store a recharger with the phone.

Take a day to purchase and pack kits for all the vehicles you family drives. Remember to customized supplies to reflect your families’ unique needs. A family with a baby needs to pack diapers, wipes, baby food and powdered formula that can be mixed with water. Small children will need extra snacks, a few books or toys to help pass the time. A little planning today can help you cope with being stranded in your vehicle until help arrives.