Emergency Car Kit: 10 Essentials for a Road Evacuation
with
Dan Zukowski
If you ever have to leave your home in a hurry, there's no time to waste. Plan ahead by having these essential items and supplies ready in an emergency kit that you can easily store in your car.
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Transcript: Emergency Car Kit: 10 Essentials for a Road Evacuation
Hi, I'm Dan Zukowski for About.com Autos. If, someday, a hurricane, flood or wildfire forces you to evacuate your home in a hurry, there's no time to waste. A good idea is to have a kit in your car or ready to go.Emergency Kit Items
And right now, I'm going to show you the ten essentials to take with you.- Have plenty of this: cold hard cash. ATMs may not work, and you can't count on your credit cards either- with phon lines or power out, stores and gas stations may not be able to accept them.
- Maps. Sure, you know your local area, but you may wind up far from home. And detours are a distinct possibility.
- Be sure you have your cell phone, and your car charger. You may need it in an emergency, and to let family and friends know where you are.
- Water. Don't rely on local sources. Most experts recommend at least one gallon per person per day. And don't forget water for your pets.
- Food is next. You may be stuck in traffic for hours, and convenience stores may close. Bring along non-perishable food items such as dry snacks, fruits, vegetables, and granola bars.
- Prepare as if you were going on a camping trip. Bring along blankets, sleeping bags, and pillows. A camp stove is a great idea- you can make coffee or soup.
- Don't forget a change of clothes. Bring jackets or rainwear to cope with inclement weather.
- Have at least one flashlight, along with spare batteries.
- Always keep a first aid kit in your car.
- Finally, don't leave home without your important documents. Keep them handy in an envelope that you can quickly grab.
Customize Your Emergency Evacuation Kit
You might have additional needs, such as medications, and if you are caring for someone, be sure to take care of their special needs as well. Hopefully, you'll never need to use this kit. But if the knock on the door comes, you'll be ready to go.Thanks for watching. To learn more, visit us on the Web at autos.about.com.