Vehicle Preparedness
We believe in being prepared. It’s what we train for, and what we live by. However, being prepared is more than having the physical capabilities to defend yourself. Being prepared means having the ability to handle any situation that may come your way. Now, realistically it is impossible to be 100% ready for every situation, but you can give yourself a better chance by planning ahead.
There are many different aspects when it comes to being prepared, we will be taking a closer look into vehicle preparedness. Many people spend a good portion of their day in a vehicle but don’t give a second thought to preparedness. What if you get a flat? Do you have a spare or a patch kit? Do you know how to change a tire? What if you get in a car accident? Do you have a med kit for yourself, your family? Are you capable of helping the people in the other car? Do you have a map if you get lost and the GPS isn’t working? Do you have water, snacks, extra supplies? There is a lot to consider when it comes to prepping your vehicle. Hopefully we can help! Below are a few items we think can help get you started on the right path. Please keep in mind that this is just a general starting point and you should continue to add what makes sense to your lifestyle.
1.) Roadside Emergency Kit:
You should at least have an emergency road side kit that includes the following
Jumper Cables - Jumper cables that come with a small battery pack would be better because you won’t need to rely on a second car.
Flares/ Signal Lights - If you have to pull over at night, having a signal either for assistance or for other vehicles to be aware and give you space.
Tools to change a tire - Also make sure to check if your vehicle has a working spare tire, many new cars no longer come with one.
Tire Patch Kit
2.) First Aid Kit:
You should have several first aid kits in your vehicle, or at least important medical items staged in different parts of the car. For example you may want to have several tourniquets all around the vehicle just in case of a bad accident, and if there are people in the back seat they have access to it quickly. Another example would be an epi pen, if you have kids with allergies, the wrong snack when you’re not looking can be a very bad situation.
If you are trained with emergency first aid you may want to include a bigger first aid bag just in case.
Tourniquets - North American Rescue CAT Tourniquet is recommended.
Bandaids
Pain Meds
Gauze - Rolled and pads.
Small Blankets - Wool or space blankets are great.
Allergy Meds
Any medication that you and your family need
Burn Cream
Epi Pens - if needed.
3.) Change of clothes
It is important to have a change of clothes that you rotate as the seasons change.
An old pair of jeans, extra socks, shirt and jacket can save you in a pinch. As well as an extra pair of sneakers if you ever have to walk a long distance from your vehicle.
As the weather gets colder, you may want to add thicker socks and jackets, or thermals, beanie and gloves.
4.) Water and snacks
Having extra water and snacks on hand is always a good idea.
(Stage them throughout the vehicle so they are in reach for your family.)
Also it may be a good idea to have extra in the trunk of the vehicle.
5.) Extra items to consider
Maps of your local area
Emergency Cash
An Emergency Supply Bag - if you ever need to leave your vehicle, you can have certain supplies with you to get you where you need to go.
Back up communication
Flash Lights
Extra Batteries
Emergency Glass Break
Seat Belt Cutters
Self Defense Tools
As we said before, this is not an all inclusive list. This is just a good starting point. You also need to take the time to learn and understand when and how to use all of these items. Make a plan and a back up plan to follow, making sure to communicate those plans to your team/ family.
Keep the Spirit!