AUGUST – Car Preparation
Purchase or make:
1. Car Survival Kit
2. Car Tool Emergency Kit
Organize:
Add map, small phone book and update/rotate items to your car kit.
Add map, small phone book and update/rotate items to your car kit.
Learn: 1. How to change flat tires.
2. To keep car always at least ½ to ¾ full of gas.
3. Keep car well maintained. Have oil changed, fluids checked every 3 months.
Notes on Car Kits
Many emergencies we have are on the road. Accidents, bad weather or car failures may strand us and we will need help. We also need to consider the possibility of relocating after a major disaster. We need to prepare our cars as well as we prepare our homes. Simple car emergency kits can be purchased at WalMart and auto parts stores for around $40 to $60 dollars. They should be kept in the trunk and should include: first aid kits, flashlights, stick lights, ponchos, orange/reflective safety vest, gloves, blankets, cones, warning triangles, flares, starter cables, tire air pumps, tire pressure gauge, toolkit (wrenches, screw drivers, socket sets), tow rope/cable, plastic cable ties/bungee cords. You may also make your own and store the in 5 gallon plastic buckets with gamma seal (screw) lids. You may also want to add rags, paper towels, duct tape, a utility knife, paper, pens, pencils, markers, and an umbrella in your kit. In the winter time you should add more blankets, small shovel and add a bag of water softener salt in the trunk. Make sure you have your car’s owner manual always available.
When stranded, it is important to have water. A gallon water jug and water bottles for each occupant is desirable. The Distribution Center has water bottles with filters that may also be good to have in the car as another source of obtaining safe water. If water is nearby, it can be taken and purified without carrying it. Each car should have high-energy, non perishable foods such as canned nuts, granola bars, and MRE’s. To pass time for kids, have small simple games always packed. Communication will also be important. Don’t forget to take your cell phone and its car charger. GPS and navigations devices can help out even more.
