Whether you’re on the road in the winter, or traversing a desert on your way to a scenic vacation spot, it’s important to keep emergency essentials in your car. Of course, the environment might dictate to some degree what you should have, but for basic survival, basic emergency essentials will be the same.
1. Emergency Drinking Water
You may not feel like you could survive days without a meal, but you could. Water, on the other hand, you must have. Without it, you would quickly dehydrate which would lead to organ failure and death. Water is generally in plentiful supply, but in emergency situations, it is quickly used up. Not only is it important to maintain life, but water is also used to clean, wash out wounds and for sanitation. It is also useful should your car overheat. It’s easiest to store in a car in smaller packages. They can be purchased in drink box sizes, or in pouches.
2. Food to Keep Your Energy Up
Water may be more important, but it is still necessary to keep your energy up. If your car breaks down far from town, you will want to have food in your emergency kit as well. Food is very difficult to store since both cold and hot temperature affects it. The most convenient source to store is high-calorie food bars. They can withstand extreme temperatures and can keep you feeling full. Just don’t overeat them, however, as they are very high in calories.
3. Wool Blankets to Keep Warm
In winter time emergencies, a source of warmth will be imperative. A few options include warming packs, emergency blankets and bags, and wool blankets. Wool is heat efficient in that it can provide warmth even if it is wet. If possible get a wool blend to increase softness and durability. Emergency blankets are made of a reflective material that reflects your natural body warmth. In one test participants had to get out of an emergency bag because it was so warm.
4. Flashlights for Night Emergencies
Flashlights are important in an emergency car kit. When it is dark they can provide you with the light necessary to prepare and find other emergency items. Remember to keep fresh batteries packed with them as well. Regardless of your safety kit, it’s essential to remain on high alert when driving at night.
You risk your personal health and your insurance rate skyrocketing because of a little fender bender. It’s important to be aware of your car insurance rate in comparison with your region’s average.
5. First Aid Kit is Your Savior
If you’re injured during an emergency and you can’t get to medical help, First Aid Items can save or prolong your life until help can arrive. Keep in it pain relievers, alcohol prep pads, sterile pad, bandages, gauze, soap, and micropore tape. Along with those items add toilet paper, safety pins and tissues.
Of course, many other items would come in handy in an emergency, but these 5 items could result in coming through an emergency able to tell the story later.