Car Emergency Preparedness: Essential Items for Safe Travel

Whether you live in earthquake country or the northern Midwest, being prepared for emergencies while on the road is crucial. This article explores essential items you should keep in your car to ensure safety and comfort in unexpected situations.

Water Storage for Emergencies

Water is a vital component in any emergency kit, but how should you store it in your car? Bottled water can degrade over time and may require rotation, typically every month. The plastic of the bottle can degrade, making the water unsafe to drink. To prevent this, store bottles in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

My Experience with Emergency Water Storage

I used to live in earthquake country, where I learned the importance of having at least 24 hours of food, water, and other essentials in every car. Now, I live in the northern Midwest, where severe storms can leave people stranded. I always keep at least one day’s worth of supplies in my car, including water, snacks, cash in small bills, a flashlight, a first aid kit, and other essentials. It's better to have what you need and not need it than to need it and not have it.

Customizing Your Emergency Kit

What you carry for emergencies depends on where you live and the type of environment you are traveling through. For urban areas, you might carry different items compared to rural areas where you may be miles from civilization.

Choosing the Right Beverages and Tools

While bottled water is an ideal choice, I prefer cans of drink to bottles, as bottles tend to leak. Sugar drinks can be consumed by someone in distress, providing energy and hydration. My toolkit includes torches, warning reflective triangles, a reflective yellow jacket, a warm blanket, maps, and a bigger brace for removing bolts on wheels. I also carry a tyre pump and a first aid kit, as accidents are more common in remote areas where I often find myself the first responder. In winter, I carry a shovel and straw mats to prevent getting stuck in a snow drift.

Practical Solutions for Water Storage

Bottled water has a relatively short shelf life and can be expensive. Instead, I fill stainless canteens with water for longer trips. This method is cheaper and creates less plastic debris. Additionally, I use the same canteens for dog-walking expeditions, and an old ice cream carton for the dogs to drink from, thereby repurposing single-use plastic.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Preparing for emergencies is not a one-size-fits-all situation. Your emergency kit should be customized to the area you live in and the type of travel you do. Remember, being prepared can make all the difference in an emergency. Always include essentials like water, food, a flashlight, and a first aid kit to ensure your safety on the road.