Getting stuck in your car isn’t something that happens often. But in case it happens, you should be prepared for it. After all, prevention is always better than cure.
Think of it for a second. You are stranded miles away from civilization with your car broken down in the middle of the road. What are you going to do?
You must have an emergency kit in your car so that even if you are stranded somewhere you don’t have to suffer till rescue services get to you.
So what should be a part of your emergency survival kit? The best way to prepare a kit is to keep these things in mind – sustenance, survival, first aid, and mechanics.
Sustenance
Hydration is a must for human sustenance. Hence, it is a good (and safe) idea to carry 16 drink boxes of water.
If you are carrying empty bottles, fill them up before you go into remote areas and carry purification tablets. When it comes to food, high-calorie protein, and energy bars are the best things to carry around. Get the ones that you find at camping stores and that aren’t high in salt and sugar. You don’t want bars that make you thirsty.
Survival
Exposure is a danger, especially if you are driving in cold country in a vehicle with DVLA private number plates. Ensure that you have chemical heat packs and a wool blanket. You can also do what the marathoners do and use an emergency blanket, also known as a space blanket. In addition to this, keep a torch, emergency candles, lighter or matchbox, and glow sticks in the car.
Rechargeable torches are the best to keep. A waterproof poncho which has a hood can also help to protect you from the elements. Keep a whistle handy so that you don’t have to shout for help. Ensure that you have a power bank charged up so that you can recharge your phone.
First Aid
If you are going to drive in remote locations or are traveling with children, a first aid kit isn’t a choice but a necessity. Try to get the most comprehensive kit possible or simply make your own. Here’s what it should have:
- Cloth tape
- Gauze bandages
- Adhesive bandages
- Absorbent pads
- Eyewash cup
- Burn ointment
- Antiseptic wipes
- Nitrile gloves
- Elastic sprain bandage
- CPR Mask
- Tweezers, scissors, and safety pins
- Aspirin and other pain relievers
- Sunscreen
- Nausea medicine
- Duct tape
Mechanical
Having a toolkit handy is one of the best things when you’re stranded due to a mechanical failure. There are plenty of such toolkits available in stores and online. Ensure that the one you buy has the following: adjustable wrench, locking pliers, pliers with a wire cutter, a six-in-one screwdriver, hex keys, and a socket and ratchet.
Most kits contain more but these basics must be there. In addition, ensure that you have a plastic can that you can use to store or carry petrol or diesel in. A tire gauge is also a good idea. A portable compressor and an Aerosol foam tire sealant can get you out of many a tight spot. An absolute must-have is six-gauge jumper cables. Even if there is no one to help you jump start the car you can do what is known as an Alaskan jump start – take a pair of jumper cables, attach one set of clamps to your car battery and short the other set for twenty seconds. Please note that this will shorten the battery life so only do this in an emergency.
Carryall
You might be stranded under circumstances that mean you need to set out on foot. For a situation like this, it is best to have a small carryall packed and ready or even a larger backpack meant for camping. Ensure that your first aid kit, your tools, and your water and food are stocked in there beforehand. Take only essentials in the backpack or carryall.
Getting stranded can be a frightening experience, especially if you are alone or with small children who are dependent on you. Be prepared for such a situation with a proper survival kit for emergencies and you will fare much better.
Kent Charlie is associated with a vehicle registration agency that also deals with the personal number plate design. He has also been writing for many online publications on a freelance basis. Kent loves traveling and adventure riding, which he often does alone. Collecting heritage car number plates is one of his favorites and he takes pride in that. He takes inspiration from Plates4Less which sells number plates for vehicles.
