Emergency Car Kit: Prepare to stick it out before you're stuck

By G. Anthonie RiisJanuary 16, 2019

Emergency Car Kit: Prepare to stick it out before you're stuck
Emergency Car Kit: Prepare to stick it out before you're stuck

FORT KNOX, Kentucky - The Fort Knox Safety Office warns drivers to prepare to stay safer by preparing a winter car emergency kit. Brian Wood, Fort Knox safety officer said an emergency... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army)
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FORT KNOX, Kentucky - The Fort Knox Safety Office warns drivers to stay safe by preparing for winter's worst.

"Severe weather and natural disasters can happen anytime and anywhere," Brian Wood, a safety specialist with the Fort Knox Safety Office said. "You need an emergency kit for all those things you could get involved with when driving your vehicle. You could have a flat tire or could come across someone else who is stranded or [has been in] a vehicle accident."

Wood said being prepared to face winter's worst could mean life or death this time of year.

"During the winter, your hazards are different and it doesn't take long for your body to feel the effects of cold weather," he said. "There's hypothermia and other injuries that can be prevented by being prepared with a source of heat. Every winter kit should include matches, flint and a candle. A kit can be lifesaving in the time of an emergency."

While every kit should have certain essentials, Wood said preparers should customize their own.

"A winter kit should definitely include all your medications, first aid supplies, plenty of water, non-perishable food and a heat source," Wood said. "Conduct research based on your family's needs to determine the best items for you."

Wood said other considerations are situationally dependent.

"Are you travelling locally or is it eight hours away? Will you be traveling desolate country roads or a main thoroughfare or interstate?" Wood said. "Your kit should depend on your situation, and where you're travelling to.

"If it's in a desolate area, you should probably pack more and prepare to shelter in place."

Being better prepared may mean you can stay put.

"They're going to look for the vehicle first, and nine out of ten times, you'll want to stay nearby," Wood said. "Whether or not to stay with the vehicle is situationally based, so make sure that you have enough supplies for a long duration.

"Typically, people who leave find themselves in a more deadly situation"

If leaving is a necessity, Wood said a creating a secondary kit or "bug out" bag can be important.

"Only leave in an emergency situation - if you've gone off the roadway, if your signal is cut off or your phone dies, you may need to leave," Wood said. "Have a plan B, take anything in your car that might be useful and be sure to leave a note so others know what direction you went and whether you plan to return."

Wood said that survival favors the prepared.

"If you put some key things in place, your chances of survival increase greatly."