3 Things To Keep in Your Car in Case of Emergency

What does retirement look like for you? Are you going to sit back and watch the grass grow, or are you going to explore the country and the world? If you are the adventurous type, prepare for every possibility. Road trips offer an exciting and often illuminating experience, but if you are not ready, they can present several difficulties. Every driver or vehicle owner should plan for potential emergencies. Sure, most insurers offer roadside assistance, but sometimes more is needed in a genuine emergency. Instead of worrying if you are prepared, know it by ensuring you pack your
vehicle with the following three essentials.

1. Emergency Kit

The first item to always have in your vehicle is an automotive emergency kit. Your kit needs to include several elements.

• Jumper cables
• Spare tire (make sure it is inflated correctly)
• Multitool
• Flashlight and batteries
• Reflective triangles or flares
• Fire extinguisher
• Compass

Additionally, you will want to have some protective items for yourself. You may need a reflective vest, rain poncho or even a blanket, depending on the climate. You will also want to have a cell phone and car charger on hand to phone for help. Duct tape and other items may be useful as well. You can look for more information from the National Safety Council.

2. First Aid

While stalling out is one thing, a collision or solitary accident is another concern altogether. When injuries occur, time is often of the essence. You will want to purchase a first aid kit to keep in your vehicle at all times. Make sure that the kit includes all the essentials.

• Bandages
• Gauze
• Tape
• Scissors
• Antibiotic ointment
• Tweezers
• Cold compress
• Hydrocortisone
• Thermometer
• Aspirin
• Non-latex gloves

A proper first aid kit allows you to manage emergencies until emergency services arrive on the scene. While you may not need immediate medical attention for minor abrasions, a complete first aid kit can help mitigate blood loss and save your life.

3. Food and Water

Many road trips can take you through some gorgeous and remote areas. While these areas are beautiful, they are not ideal locations to break down or crash. It is not unheard of for an accident victim in a remote area to be missing for a few days, not to scare you. The unpredictability of response times in an emergency is why it is always necessary to have food and water in your vehicle. However, you want nonperishable, high-energy foods, like dried fruits, unsalted nuts and even hard candies.

Whether you are about to retire or well into your retirement, emergency preparation is an integral part of that process. Whether you are looking for safety advice, like the above, or are more interested in securing a financial future for yourself and your loved ones, the Wise Ol’ Crow is here for you. For more information and no-nonsense advice, take a deep-dive into the blog archives. There is no reason for any retired person to struggle in their twilight years. You worked hard for what you have and now is the time to make the most of your experiences.

Jane Aull - August 18, 2020

Thank You so very much for thoughtfulness, Better too be safe than sorry!!! GOD BLESS you all!! Take Care!!! Bye!!

Ann - August 19, 2020

I don’t own a car!

Jutta - August 20, 2020

Thank you for the good advice will follow it.

Rosemary - August 25, 2020

The only thing I didn’t have was the duct tape.
I flew to Dunedin and bought a car.and drove it home. I broke down on the side of the road. I had a small hole in the hose that comes off the back of the water pump. Looks like a screw driver hole. I had to fix this myself. Took a while but I managed to do it. I always travel with a tool box and essentials. Long story to how I became knowledgeable about cars but I think everyone who drives should know how to diagnose and fix their own cars. Yes even women

Pamela Cook - August 26, 2020

I always have a blanket no mater how warm outside it gets. Nights get cool if you have windows knocked out or down. As well as a tow rope or cord to get help being pulled out or to secure your vehicle from tumbling does an embankment as well as a large tin can and candles. Which provide light when your flashlight dies and your needing someone to see the light. You can use your mirrors for shining an EOS as well during the daylight where a candle will not be seen. Stay safe!

eddie byrne - September 5, 2020

in that emergency kit i would include a tow rope and two u bolt connectors.Essential for inappropriate breakdown spots.

Mo - September 9, 2020

We are going to make up these emergency kits for our 5 grandchildren

Eman - September 28, 2020

Under the current global situation of corona pandemic, I suggest To keep extra face masks and wet wipes or hand sanitizer.

Jan Cameron - October 7, 2020

janicemcameron44@gmail.com. Travelling around Australia in 2008/2009 having spent several $1000 having all hoses replaced on our Land Rover discovery, one that hadn’t been replaced blew , 150 k from Eucla, middle of the Nullarbor. Christmas Day, 4 hours on the side of the road, no reception on phone. Lovely couple stopped eventually, she was an ex federal policewoman, he a farmer. Took their van to the next service station, left it there and returned for our caravan. She called racq but they wouldn’t respond as she wasn’t the card owner. They called the local breakdown man, left a message with description of our vehicle, he had turned his phone off for Christmas dinner. We removed the radiator cap and limped into the next station. The tow driver met up and put the vehicle on his truck and towed us 150 kms to Eucla. Once the supplier was open in Adelaide , in January,he got the hose and my husband, a mechanic, fixed it. However the damage was done, we only got to Border village and had to stop. Our roadside assistance would only take the car, and only to Ceduna. $2000! After another week waiting for some common sense from them. However the local tow truck driver towed us 1000 kms to port Lincoln, his truck breaking down on the way. My husband was able to repair it on the side of the road on the Nullarbor! Three weeks in port Lincoln, car repaired, after a loan car from the repair shop enabling us to see the country side! What an adventure but we went places we wouldn’t have so it was just a big detour really!

Shirley Hodges - October 7, 2020

A hammer is an excellent tool to keep in your car. As a weapon or to break a widow if under water

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