How to Outfit Your Car for Emergencies

Emergencies strike unannounced, so be prepared and carry an emergency kit in your car. They're commercially available, or you can easily put together your own. Go to FEMA.gov.prepare.org for more information on developing an emergency plan for your family.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Establish a basic roadside kit. This might include a spare cell phone, CB radio or other communication device. An intact spare tire is necessary for all circumstances. Keep some minor maintenance tools on hand, like a jack, lug wrench and jumper cables. A gallon of water in the drunk can come in handy for radiator problems, squirters or plain, old drinking water in emergencies. A fix-all utility knife, like a Leatherman, is a nice gadget to have.

2. Stock your first-aid kit appropriately. Obviously, keep minor medications and health items in there, like pain relievers, disinfectants, bandage material, etc. But keep things like thermal blankets, scissors, insect- and bite-treatment solutions and a whistle. It's a good idea to invest in a small first-aid guide that offers basic instructional steps for minor medical procedures.

3. Invest in extreme acts of nature kits. This includes earthquake and snow-country materials. Flashlights, blankets, water supply, rain gear, matches/lighter and tire chains can be lifesavers given some pretty bad circumstances.

Tips & Warnings

• Not all medications are appropriate for all people. Before breaking out the first aid kit, consider the patient's age, special conditions (such as pregnancy), and health issues.
• Read your first aid quick-reference card before you put it in your automobile. It takes only minutes and may keep you from doing something foolish or harmful.

[choicearizona]

on 2/8/2008 http://www.arizonaautohomelifeinsurance.com/builderarizonacc/Mesa/index.php

The suggestion - make your kit accessible, is a bit simplistic but very, very true.