(IntegrityPress.com) – Emergencies and disasters can strike at the most inconvenient times, so it’s important to be ready no matter where you are. Consider your car, which takes you from one point to another. Is it ready for unexpected problems? Let’s take a look at how you can prepare your car for anything.
Life in a Car
Most people don’t want to do it, but the situation could arise when you may need to resort to living in your car. Obviously, if you have a bigger vehicle, it might make this option a little more manageable. However, the size of your vehicle really only changes one thing, and that’s the space you have available. You still need the same supplies. Start by including at least one replacement bulb for every bulb on the vehicle. You may also want to have a spare fan belt, some motor oil, air filters and coolant/antifreeze.
Of course, your available space will determine whether or not you can have all of this in your vehicle. The number-one priority is safety; after all, your car is now your home, and you want it to be safe. Be sure to utilize every bit of space in your vehicle to optimize comfortability. By including a tarp, small tent and an air mattress you can create an outdoor living area where legal. Have maps and a compass in your vehicle in case your GPS isn’t working correctly; you should also know how to properly use these tools.
Civil Unrest
Riots and other forms of unrest ravaged parts of the United States in 2020. Some people had to drive through these areas and were even attacked at times. An obvious way around this is to simply avoid unsafe places. Unfortunately, that isn’t a possibility every time. You need to have the right gear to protect yourself. Guns are a good option, but they aren’t always necessary.
Carry a large container of OC or bear spray in your vehicle. These less-than-lethal options are effective against crowds when sprayed in an “S” pattern. It’s important to note that these containers build pressure in hot conditions and should not be kept in the car for extended periods of time to avoid an accidental explosion.
A common weapon used by rioters is the Molotov cocktail, which is an incendiary device. With that said, it’s ideal to keep a small fire extinguisher in your car at all times. This is a good practice as extinguishers not only put out fires, but also work well as a self-defense tool. If nothing else, you can spray an attacker with the extinguisher.
Among these items, you may also want to include the following in your vehicle:
- Trauma kit – The risk of injury is always prevalent in a vehicle.
- Glass breaker/ rescue tool – You never know when you’ll need to escape your car or help someone else escape theirs.
- Masks – You may need protection from inhaling any foreign substance such as OC spray or tear gas.
- Safety glasses – Your eyes may need protection from flying debris as well as OC spray and tear gas.
- Eye wash – Keep on hand to rinse any foreign object or substance out of your eye.
- Decon wipes – You may need to decontaminate your skin from exposure to OC spray or tear gas. The effects won’t go away instantly, but it can help.
Items That Should Always Be in Your Car
A wide range of scenarios can unfold while in your car, so you need a variety of items to keep on hand. For starters, a get-home bag. Basically, this bag is a survival kit that can ensure you get home, no matter what. The weather isn’t always going to be perfect. Add an umbrella or poncho to help you stay dry.
Walking shoes are also important, as you never know if you’re going to have to walk or not. Carry a pair of comfortable and durable shoes in your trunk in case your car breaks down and walking becomes your only transportation. Extra clothes are also a good idea, especially during the colder months of the year.
Food and Water
These two items are obvious when it comes to survival. However, not all food can endure the grueling heat found inside a car. Keep foods in your vehicle that isn’t going to go bad quickly. Here are some examples:
- Beef jerky
- Mixed nuts
- Sunflower seeds
- Trail mix
- Meals Ready to Eat (MREs)
- Protein bars
In addition to these foods, you can store packets of Gatorade to help replace any lost electrolytes. Also, instant coffee isn’t necessarily a bad idea.
Tools to Have Handy
It’s a good idea to have basic mechanic tools in case of a minor mishap. Hopefully, the tools you have are enough to get you back on the road. Pry bars are handy, especially if SHTF and you need to get into an area and do some scavenging. Of course, depending on the pry bar, it may double as a weapon.
A foldable shovel speaks for itself. You never know when you’re going to get stuck and need to dig your way out. It’s not the easiest activity to do, but it sure beats leaving the car behind and continuing on foot.
Miscellaneous Items
Oil, coolant/antifreeze, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and even washer fluid are all ideal to have. In fact, there are many times where all a vehicle may need is a fill-up on some fluids to maintain proper functionality. Another fluid to have is fuel for your vehicle. After all, you don’t want to get stranded because you ran out of fuel.
This item is more for comfort, as there aren’t many pleasant alternatives to toilet paper. Maybe you ate some Mexican food, and your stomach just isn’t having it. Or maybe your car has broken down in the middle of nowhere and you need to use the bathroom. There are actually a number of reasons why you may need toilet paper in your car.
Survival is Priority
While this may be a comprehensive list of ideas, we recommend that you do research and follow whatever best suits your needs. We depend on our vehicles every day and often take them for granted. Hopefully, the above information will help you either get out of a sticky situation or avoid it completely. Just remember, your survival is the number one priority.
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