Like millions of drivers, most do not have any form of Emergency Survival Kit in your automobile. And like most people, you seamlessly transition from home to work or any other point A to point B destination without incident. So does it make sense to have an Emergency Survival Kit in your automobile? The answer is yes. The reason being that you never know when your vehicle may become your refuge especially during the winter season.
I live in a region that is subject to severe flooding, earthquakes, and hurricane force winds. If you take a moment to assess what kinds of environmental threats are predominant in the region where you live, you'll realize that any one of these threats have the capability to separate you and your vehicle from acquiring assistance for prolonged periods of time. If you're unprepared for such an event, your very survival may be compromised. So wouldn't it make sense to have at least the very basic Emergency Survival Kit stashed unobtrusively in your vehicle?
So let's talk about the basics. The most common conditions that you should prepare for. You're driving along, everything is going great and all of a sudden you experience a flat tire or worse yet, a blow-out. Assuming you maintain control of your vehicle, you get to the side of the road and get out. The first question is "Have you ever changed a flat tire on the vehicle your driving?" If not, the next question is "Where is everything I need?" I know so many people that can't answer the second question. Providing that you find all the components you need (under a seat, under the trunk mat, under the hood, etc.) , read the instruction manual and are able to get the thing jacked up and ready to remove the tire, are you in for a surprise! You get the hubcap off put the lug wrench on the lug nut and start to apply pressure to loosen the thing. More pressure. Nothing. You give it all you got! Still nothing. The thing won't budge. When is the last time you tried to remove a lug nut with that ridiculous little lug wrench provided with your vehicle? The problem isn't necessarily that your weak, the problem is that you don't have enough leverage on that puny little lug wrench. A two foot length of pipe added to the length of the lug wrench handle would give you the necessary leverage to easily remove the most stubborn lug nut. That's when it strikes you. If I'd have only practiced this at least once in the safety of my own garage or driveway, I would have known how difficult all this would be.
Which brings me to my point. Emergency Preparation is about giving yourself leverage to overcome a difficult situation. In the situation above, this could be you facing the situation. In the event of a regional disaster, there could be hundreds or even thousands of people struggling to overcome the situation. One of the most overlooked Emergency Preparedness topics is your automobile. Chances are, if you're not at home you have traveled somewhere in your automobile. If your like most, you went to work by driving. Now you are separated from your home. What would happen if disaster strikes? Your automobile may be your only source of refuge and safety available. If you fail to have even the basic knowledge, skills and provisions available to you while your with your vehicle,
SO HERE'S THE SHORT LIST
Keep your vehicle maintained
Know where all your tools are and how to use them
Keep a piece of steel tubing large enough to fit over your lug wrench handle and at least two feet long. Do not use copper tubing! It needs to be substantial enough to not bend under tension
Carry a street map of the area you're in along with a compass (you need to to know how to use this)
An Emergency Survival Kit containing water, food and shelter (waterproof poncho, survival blanket or weatherproof jacket) enough for 72 hours of support.
A first aid kit. A good idea to take at least basic first aid from your local community services organization.
A pair of sturdy shoes or boots (you might have to walk)
A good quality LED flashlight
Safety flares (can be used for signaling or fire starting)
A cell phone if you can afford it. (being able to summons help is very comforting)
NOTE: Did you know that all modern cell phones are capable of calling 911 emergency even if you do not have a service provider?
Rick Dampier is a freelance writer, business owner, small business consultant and former member of his local county Department of Emergency Management. For more information about emergency preparedness, please visit http://www.squidoo.com/emergencysurvivalkit
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