Emergency Preparedness Part I: Vehicle Kits

Hi Everyone!

I've been thinking a lot lately about emergency situations & the importance of being prepared.  Over the next several weeks, I've decided to devote my Worry-Free Wednesday posts to this topic.  So today, I'd like to discuss the topic of creating an emergency supply kit for your vehicle.

Have you ever considered what might happen if you were to break down in a remote area far away from goods & services?  Would you have enough emergency supplies to last you for several days or even a week?   Some things that should be taken into consideration include protective gear/apparel (depending on the elements where you live), food, water, first aid supplies, etc.   For example, if you were to break down in the middle of a snow storm, you'd probably like to have some emergency blankets &  heating pads on hand.  Right?  Likewise, if you had to hike in warm weather to the nearest town, you'd probably want to have sunscreen & a baseball cap among your supplies.

 Here's a list that I compiled when I served on an office safety committee once.  The list includes the basics.  If you have pets or small children who regularly travel with you, you will definitely want to add to this list to account for them as well (i.e. extra water, food, formula, diapers, etc.).

VEHICLE EMERGENCY KIT

1. Food (i.e. granola bars, dehydrated fruits, nuts, juice drinks, etc.)
2. Water (at least a couple of gallons & possibly a water filter)
3. Warm clothing (i.e. fleece sweater, socks, blanket, etc.)
4. Comfortable shoes (Women!!!   I cannot emphasize how important this one is.  You definitely would not want to hike several miles in your heals or bare feet!)
5. Baseball cap/warm snow cap
6. Rain poncho
7. Latex/rubber work gloves
8. Plastic bags
9. Paper & pencils
10. Flash lights,. flares & matches
11. Small pocket knife
12. Personal hygiene items
13. Sunscreen
14. Sunglasses
15. First Aid Items (see Red Cross weblink below)
16. Pocket change
17. Emergency contact list
18. Radio/batteries

You should also always have a first aid kit stored in your vehicle.  Here’s a link to the American Red Cross website.  They have compiled a list of first aid items that every kit should include.
http://www.redcross.org/services/hss/lifeline/fakit.html

Additional  items to put in your first aid kit include: aspirin, antihistamine, prescription medications & Q-tips, lip balm & eye drops

REMEMBER: IF YOU FAIL TO PLAN YOU PLAN TO FAIL.  :(

ALWAYS BE PREPARED! :)