Monday 12 September 2011

Car Emergency Kit

I have been driving for twenty-mumble mumble years.  My father gave me some valuable tips on what to always have in your car in case of emergency:

  • Basic safety kit - Booster Cables, Road Flares, Tire Jack...etc
  • Money - always have $20 in your car in case you run out of gas and always have change for the phone (this was before cell phones but still useful since batteries go dead)
  • CAA - I find this the most useful - let someone else come and change that flat!
  • Blanket, flashlight and granola bars... you never know how long CAA will take to get to you in a winter storm.
  • Water... to drink or add to your radiator
  • First Aid Kit - I am a nurse so really important since I have to stop at accidents... but you never know when I may be walking and need to use yours.
  • Really warm gloves, scarf and hat 
So this is what is in my car... I have added a few things over the years (like an overnight bag with a uniform, nightie and clean undies)... in case a snowstorm gets me stuck somewhere.

Well, I live in Newfoundland now and my kit has been expanded... but not the usual things you need for safety but what you need for fun.  So my new list includes:

  • Travel chair - you never know when you will see a concert or festival just begging for your attendance. A nice comfy chair makes the experience so much better.
  • Rain coat and sweater.. the weather can change in a heartbeat and you wouldn't want that invite to a beach bonfire to be wasted because you didn't bring something warm.

  • Sneakers or Hiking boots - some of the best views are off the beaten path. Why stand on the side of the road because you don't want to ruin those cute little sandals.





  • Rubber boots - for the reasons stated above, off the beaten path could be a little wet.
  • A Container - Off the beaten path (a place I seem to be spending a lot of time) sometimes has the best berries and you can only eat so many.






  • A Tarp - who knows what you will find to make your garden landscaping beautiful or that perfect something from a yard sale.






  • A last but definitely not least... A CAMERA.  No explanation needed.





Now, if I can find a space for passengers....