Doesn’t it just feel like every day is a state of emergency right now? Not only do we have this global pandemic happening, but there are earthquakes, tornados, and of course, the worry that the economy is about to collapse.
We’re definitely living in scary times, that’s for sure, but if you’re a car owner, our advice is to hang onto that vehicle. You never know when your car could be just the thing to get you out of a sticky situation, and even save a life.
Here are three ways your car could help you in an emergency:
Sickness
Did you know that approximately 795,000 people suffer from a stroke every year in the US, that’s over 1 stroke per minute of every year. Spotting the signs of a stroke and getting medical help as soon as possible can mean the difference between life and death. You can also remember it as FAST, short for Facial drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties, and Time.
Financial Hardship
A sudden financial hardship can take anyone by surprise, even the most prepared of us. While we wouldn’t recommend selling your car straight away if you were in this situation, there are ways your vehicle can still help you to free up cash in emergencies.
Weather Emergency
We’re seeing more and more weather-related emergencies happening across the world. Earthquakes and tornados, tsunamis, and floods, even bush and forest fires seem to be an ever more present factor in our lives.
Your car can be an absolute asset in these situations. Both in providing a getaway vehicle when you know something is happening, and even as somewhere relatively safe and comfortable to stay to protect you and your family from the elements in a pinch.
It’s worth planning for an emergency. We never know when they are going to happen, and, as much as we don’t want them to happen to us, as we’ve seen recently, life can change in a matter of moments.
Keeping an emergency preparedness kit in the trunk of your car to cover most situations is an excellent plan. There’s a whole list of things that should be in your emergency preparedness kit, but a few of the things we’d suggest are:
- Water – Three gallons total based on one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days. Water can be used for drinking and sanitation.
- Food – Non-perishable food supply that can last at least three days.
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio for alerts and information.
- Flashlight with extra batteries.
- First aid kit.
- Whistle to signal for help.
- Plastic sheeting, masks, and duct tape to shelter-in-place if required.
- Garbage bags for trash and personal sanitation.
- Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities.
- Manual can opener for food.
- Local maps.
- Cell phone with chargers.
Assemble your kit items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or a duffel bag.
