Road Trip Time...Emergency Car Kits!

On the road...
It's road trip time here in Utah.  What could be more fun than to discover America in the family truckster?  But we all know that disasters can happen any time.  We've all been taught to have disaster and evacuation kits prepared.  We've learned how to deal with prolonged power failures and what to do in the event of an earthquake or devastating storm.  But what about when you are away from home...on the road somewhere?  I've read stories where people were stuck in snow storms or stranded in the desert when their cars broke down.  Many of the stories had tragic endings which could have been prevented by having an emergency car kit.

Having a well-stocked car will give you a lot more peace of mind and help you to stay calm and focus on what needs to be done.   Prepare your car now, by keeping your gas tank above half-full, check the weather and road conditions before a trip and keep up on the car's maintenance.  You may not have the chance to return home for your 72 hour evacuation kits...so you may want to keep a smaller version in the trunk of each of your vehicles.  I started with a medium size duffle and a couple of milk crates that will fit across the back of the cargo area of my SUV.  The car kit pictured is from  Emergency Essentials.

Car Kits might include...

• Emergency car tool kit which includes battery cables and a small air compressor. 
• Road atlas 
• First aid kit.
• Windup radio/cell phone recharger.
• Flashlights, headlamp and extra batteries. 
• Auto Buddy tool...this is a light, flasher, window breaker and seat belt cutter.  I keep this in the driver's side door.
• Folding shovel, window scrapers, lock de-icers.
• Jack, lug wrench, tire gauge and a fix-a-flat product.
• Gallon each of windshield washer fluid and anti-freeze.
• Bottled water and 3600 calorie food bars.  (Coast Guard ones are good)
• For warmth:  hand and foot warmers, 10 hour heat candles, water proof matches, extra hats, gloves, and ear warmers.
• For rain:  umbrella, rain jackets.
• Quilts or blankets.  I have a heavy denim one.
• Extra cash (small bills and coins).

This is just a basic list...what I started with.  I am sure there are other things to consider...like if you are traveling with children.  It's hard to prepare for everything...but you can prepare for the most likely.

Don't let this be your next family vacation! =D

Have fun this summer, Sisters!

PS...Send me a Postcard!