Spring Break often triggers the urge for sandy beaches and extra sun rays. Before you go on a road trip, ensure that you have packed your car with these 10 Safe Travel Necessities.
These items are simple items you will have around the house, but they can be life-saving products if you are stranded on the road. Sometimes there are road hazards, construction lanes, car wrecks and the potential flood or blizzard that throw havoc into your easy cruise to sunshine. Pack these essentials into your trunk just for your own personal travel safety. Refresh them often and inspect them for damage.
A duffel bag with a zipper and a large handle so you can throw it onto your shoulder, or a backpack. You will use this as your travel bag emergency kit. All of the items should fit in this bag.
Two complete changes of clothes, summer and winter. Even if you’re traveling south there are freak snowstorms, so you need both climates represented. The extra set of clothing is for a change if you have ruined your garments in the rain or inclement weather. You do not want to travel for miles in wet clothes. Be sure to add a coat, gloves, hat and scarf.
A good flashlight with a back-up set of batteries, plus waterproof matches, fire starter and a starter log. If you are stranded you will need light and warmth.
A well-stocked first aid kit. You want something more than band-aids and antiseptic cream. You also need rolling bandages, a splint, aspirin (an analgesic and disinfectant), scissors, tapes, and more disinfectant, gauze and hand-sanitizer. Add extra bottled water to wash wounds.
Food and Water. If you are stuck on the highway for hours, you need a sustaining snack and possibly even a meal. Keep at least a gallon of water in your car, protein bars, protein drinks, snacks, granola bars, and candy bars with peanuts. Seal all of these in a plastic bag to keep them from getting dirty.
Vehicle maintenance items like oil, a battery charger or jumper cables, a spare tire, a jack, an emergency tool that breaks windows and cuts seat belts (keep this up front and handy), a screwdriver, a hammer, duct tape, electrical tape and a pair of pantyhose. The pantyhose can be used for a broken belt for a few miles.
A plastic poncho, or large garbage bag is useful if you have to leave your car in the rain. A heavy blanket and a sheet also, in case you have to sleep in the car. A pillow for comfort. Instant hand and toe warmers for cold emergencies.
A sign for your front and rear window that says help needed. Usually the reverse says call 911. These are invaluable if someone is injured. An emergency phone that is always charged is a good idea. Lights and flares to place around the car if it breaks down, so you can be found. You also need a jacket with orange day-glo tape for high visibility if you step outside at night.
Entertainment items can be providential, like a deck of cards, coloring books and markers, a board game, and books while you wait for help. This is also a good place for a hand-crank emergency radio.
Never leave on a trip without first filling your car with gas. Tell people when you are leaving, where you are going, and the route you are taking. Packing these 10 safe-travel necessities will keep you comfortable in an emergency situation.