There was a story in the news recently about a Canadian couple who had gotten their car stuck in some mud while on a road trip going through Nevada in March. According to
this article, the wife was found alive in their van after being stranded for 48 days and having only trail mix to eat and melted snow to drink. She is now in a hospital trying to recover from the effects of starvation.
This sad story can serve as another great reminder of the importance of being prepared when traveling.
Here is a short list of items you may want to consider keeping in your
car emergency kit.
There are many ways to customize your
emergency car kit. It is also important to consider special needs such as those with diabetes or hypoglycemia, babies, elderly, and people with allergies or chronic illness. For a person with diabetes, remember to have extra insulin on hand. For a person with hypoglycemia, store
high energy snacks in addition to their ration of food. For babies, store extra diapers, formula, blankets, and clothes.
If you Replace yourself in a situation where you have no way of calling for help, tie a bright red piece of cloth on your antenna. This is generally recognized as a call for assistance.
Remember to always let someone know what time you left and what time you expect to arrive at your destination.
By taking these precautions, you can prepare your family for an emergency and feel more confident in your travels.
If you Replace yourself in a situation where you have no way of calling for help, tie a bright red piece of cloth on your antenna. This is generally recognized as a call for assistance.
Remember to always let someone know what time you left and what time you expect to arrive at your destination.
By taking these precautions, you can prepare your family for an emergency and feel more confident in your travels.
11 comments
Sandy:
Good reminder. I need to update my emergency car kit. We spend so much time in our cars these days, it is really important!
Susan A.
I feel much better having my kit from Emergency Essentials in my car at all times. Also gave them as gifts to my nieces at Christmas and one has already had to use it. Thanks.
Sustainablehome
This is why, years ago, I started carrying basic essentials in the car. Even if it's only a few hours away, I make sure our car is stocked up before we leave
Charles Rice
My wife and I both have pretty extensive car kits, and two years ago, we bought one for my uncle. His kit saw use the very next week when they lost power at the house. He had to raid the car kit to find matches to light the gas stove and he also used the flashlight and crank radio. Preparedness is invaluable!
MJ Villafana
I recommend watching the "Lost in the Snow" episode of "I shouldn't be alive" – it tells the Jim and Jennifer Stolpa Story, which sounds a lot like the one in this post only a happier ending. Also, in the episode it has a guy named Les Stroud who gives you a breakdown of what you could do if you are ever in the situation they were in.
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snowbound:The_Jim_and_Jennifer_Stolpa_Story)
(about the documentary: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lost_in_theSnow#Episodes)
Garnet
I always travel with a few "extras" in my car. I am adding the Millenium Bar instead of candy bars – stores better and is more nutritious!! gc
Kristin
What a thorough list! I definitely need to add a few more items to my kit. Thanks for the reminder!
JaimeSews
I have a car kit but I am anxious to see your list of suggested items to see how mine compares (I put it together myself). Already made a note to get a red cloth – I sew and have a whole cabinet of fabric so it shouldn't be a problem! :)
Tessa
Oh my gosh, my husband was just telling me about this. I have yet to get our car kit together, and this story shows you how important it really is! We happened to be away from home when he read the story, and my mind went over so many "what if's." I pray they find her husband alive.
Sarah Rachelle
Thanks for the extra tips. My current goal is working on our car kits and this was helpful.
Sue
Always so important to be prepared when you are in your car………