Survival Preparedness Kit - What to Pack

Survival-Car-Kit

It’s critical that before you embark on your next adventure, you have everything you need at hand. In a previous article, we shared some useful tips to ensure that your next road trip not only is a fun adventure but also a safe.

Now that you have the basics covered, it is also important to keep a survival preparedness kit ready in your trunk. But, what should you include?

  • Spare Tire (plus jack/wrench)
  • Reflective Vest
  • Hazard Triangle
  • First-Aid Kit
  • Additional Items

Spare Tire

Most new vehicles include a spare tire these days. However, if you have an older model and you don’t have a fifth tire with you, we highly recommend that you get one, especially if you’re planning on going on a long road trip.

If you get a flat tire and you’re not able to reach roadside assistance, it’s always comforting to know that you have a spare tire with you. Be sure to include a jack and wrench with you to change the tire yourself, if needed.

Reflective Vest

What if your vehicle breaks down in the middle of the night? Think about it for a minute. You get stuck on the road and it’s dark outside. Carry a reflective vest in your trunk, preferably a fluorescent one with reflective stripes so that other drivers can see you on the road. Keep your vest in a handy place inside your car so that it’s easily accessible to you and you can leave your vehicle with your vest on.

Hazard Triangle

According to current driving regulations, all vehicles should carry two hazard triangles in case of emergency. These triangles should be visible both at daytime and in the dark. Just like the vests mentioned above, they should be reflective so that incoming traffic can easily see your vehicle parked on the side of the road.

Place one of the triangles in front of your car, and the other one behind. This way it will be easily visible from both sides.

First-Aid Kit

We’ve mostly focused on what to carry in your vehicle should you need to replace any part of it. But there’s also a possibility that a passenger may feel ill during your road trip. That’s why it’s always recommended to carry a first-aid kit in your car. What should you include?

  • Band-Aids (Different sizes)
  • Gauze
  • Duct tape
  • Scissors
  • Tweezers
  • Aspirin/Ibuprofen
  • Medicine for nausea
  • Sunscreen

Other Useful Items

You should also take into consideration other items that, while initially may not seem essential, they can always come in handy in case of emergency.

Whenever you embark on a road trip, be sure to carry plenty of water with you. It’s important to remain hydrated at all times. You don’t need to be in the middle of the desert to have your vehicle breakdown. It could happen anywhere, at any time and, since you don’t know how long it will take for roadside assistance to arrive, it’s always best to carry water with you.

Add a blanket to your survival preparedness kit in case your car breaks down in the middle of the night. It will keep you warm. There are some metal-coated blankets, also known as space blankets, that are normally used by paramedics and take up little space in your car. Add one just in case.

Lastly, don’t forget to include a flashlight, as well as some extra batteries, to ensure your car stays lit should you need to change a spare tire in the middle of the night. It will also be easier for other vehicles to spot you in the dark.

These are some of the essential items you should carry in your survival preparedness kit. Regardless of the distance and duration of your road trip, it’s critical to be ready in case of emergency.

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