Emergency
Preparedness: Car Kits
by Sandy Riggs and
Bev Qualheim
No one likes to think there will
ever be a need for emergency provisions while out in the car on a road
trip. Unfortunately, sometimes the unexpected happens. You're
stuck in a snow storm or your car has mechanical problems. It's at
times like these, you'll be glad that you've prepared ahead.
Listed here are some items
that are good to have with you in the event of an emergency while traveling
in the car. These are suggestions; you may think of other items pertinent
to your particular situation and area in which you live.
-
Water
and paper cups: one gallon water per family member. We buy large
five gallon bottles of water and keep one in the cargo area of our van.
-
Blankets:
one per family member. (You can buy 'Space Blankets'-silver in color and
very compact.)
-
Roadside
flares: you can find these in automotive sections of large department stores.
-
First
aid kit: to include items such as gauze bandages, adhesive tape, rubber
gloves, cotton balls, alcohol wipes, band aids, syrup of ipecac* and scissors.
-
Extra
medications for family members who made need them.
-
Flash
light and batteries. CHECK batteries often and change them regularly.
-
List
of emergency phone numbers and addresses. (Laminate this and place it in
the glove compartment or other easily accessible place.)
-
Cell
Phone.
-
Large
sign which you can put up in your car window which reads: "Need help.
Call 911/highway patrol".
-
When
traveling with infants and children, pack extra diapers and clothing, wipes,
bottles, snack items, and small safe toys, books, a small
teddy bear or coloring books and crayons. These items will help
keep your little ones comfortable and calm until help arrives.
It is strongly
suggested that every parent or care giver learn CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation)
and basic first aid skills in the event of a medical emergency. Your
local hospital or fire station may offer free courses. The American
Red Cross offers both CPR and first aid classes for a small fee. You should
basic First Aid and keep a First Aid kit in your car of course!
Being
prepared can make a big difference in even the least serious of emergency
situations. In some cases, it can mean the difference between life
and death. Be prepared!
*Syrup
of ipecac is used to induce vomiting and should be used only with the advice
of a physician or your local Poison Control professional. Be sure
to include your physician and Poison Control phone numbers in your list
of emergency phone numbers. Also, syrup of ipecac does need to be
replaced. Check the expiration date on the bottle and replace before
expiration date. Keep out of the reach of children.
** Remember
to rotate car kit items so that they are fresh and able to be of use when
they are needed. Keep in mind that extreme changes in temperatures
will effect the freshness of food items so they must be rotated often.