It is getting to be that time of year again and many of us are planning road trips to visit family for the holidays. While most of us will get to our destinations without incident, we can never predict an accident. So, it is better to be prepared especially in cold winter conditions. Gerry’s OK […]
It is getting to be that time of year again and many of us are planning road trips to visit family for the holidays. While most of us will get to our destinations without incident, we can never predict an accident. So, it is better to be prepared especially in cold winter conditions. Gerry’s OK Tire has prepared the following checklist showing what to pack in your vehicle in case of an emergency.
Winter Clothing
Make sure everyone in the vehicle has appropriate outer wear in case you need to walk in winter weather conditions. It’s not always easy to get everyone on board to wear appropriate outer wear but make sure you pack boots and coats that are suitable in case you need them.
Food and Water
Pack enough food and water to last a few days in case you happened to get stuck for a while. You don’t need to go crazy here, just a few bottles of water and some energy bars or trail mix will do.
Candles and Lighters/Matches
You never know how long you could be stuck if you happen to run into a snow storm on the way to your destination. Candles can provide light and warmth and help to prevent the cabin from freezing. Just make sure you choose an unscented candle as any scent would become overpowering in such a small space.
Blankets
Having a few quilts in your vehicle is a really good idea in case you got stranded in a storm or stuck on the side of the road. They provide warmth until you are back on the road.
A First Aid Kit
Here are some essential items that you might want to keep in your first aid kit:
- Adhesive Band-Aids for covering cuts
- Gauze pads for treating wounds
- Safety pins for closing bandages
- Adhesive tape
- Antibiotic ointment
- Antiseptic and hydrocortisone cream for skin inflammation and rashes
- Antiseptic wipes to sanitize your hands
- Aspirin, Ibuprofen, or other pain relieving medication
- Cotton balls
- Cotton swabs
- Vaseline
- A digital thermometer
- Tweezers
- Curved scissors—the medical kind that doesn’t have a pointy edge, and is used for cutting clothing away from an injury
- A needle
- Hand sanitizer
- Saline solution for eye washing or cleaning wounds
Shovel and Salt
These items are optional but would really come in handy if you needed them. A small shovel and some sort of grit (sand, salt, even kitty litter) could help get you out of the ditch and back on the road much quicker than waiting for a tow.
Flashlights
It would be miserable getting stuck on the side of the road. But it would be worse if it was night and you didn’t have light to see what you were doing. So, having a flashlight or two is always good to have on hand.
Check Your Spare Tire
It is always good to check your spare tire before you leave home. Make sure it is in working condition and that it has sufficient air in it. You never know when you might need it.
Jumper Cables
Because you never know when you or someone else might need a boost.
Service Your Vehicle
Make sure to service your vehicle before you leave home. Checking your tires for wear and that all fluids are topped up is a simple and inexpensive way to give you peace of mind travelling this holiday season. A service visit can prevent unnecessary hiccups on your holiday trip and allow you to concentrate on fun and family. Book a visit today!
