Emergency preparedness: vehicle safety

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Prepare Your Vehicle for Emergencies

When planning for emergencies, don’t forget your vehicle: make sure your car, truck or van is in good working order, and keep an emergency supply kit handy.

Get your vehicle ready

Keep a emergency supply kit in your vehicle.

Prepare to be on your own for at least 24 hours.

Write the date on all food and water stored in your kit. Replace items every six months.

Keep food items in airtight plastic bags inside your kit.

Emergency supplies for your vehicle

One gallon of water per person. Store water in large soft-drink containers. Avoid using containers that will decompose or break, such as milk cartons or glass bottles.

Emergency food. Avoid foods that will make you thirsty. Choose whole grain cereals and foods with high liquid content. Include food for infants and others with special diets.

Small shovel, jumper cables, tow chain

Road flare

Battery-operated radio/extra batteries

Flashlight and extra batteries

ABC-type fire extinguisher

Whistle

Plastic storage bags

Cash and change for phones

A supply of vital medications

Sturdy shoes, socks, work gloves

Rain gear

Mylar blankets, plastic shelter tarps

Matches in a waterproof container

Latex gloves (at least 2 pair)

Map of the area (for locating shelters)

Compass

Games and books for kids

Pet supplies

Toilet paper, towelettes

Feminine and personal hygiene items

Infant diapers and wipes

Driving in difficult conditions

Drive with your headlights on.

Fill the fuel tank before entering open country. Stop to fill up long before the tank begins to run low.

Don’t try to out-drive the conditions.

Start early. Remember the posted speed limits are for dry pavement.

Leave plenty of room to stop.

Brake carefully. It takes more time to stop in adverse conditions.

Look farther ahead in traffic than you normally do to gain extra time to safely react to situations.

Drive cautiously near trucks. Avoid cutting quickly in front of them.

Winter driving

Be prepared with good winter tires, chains, a scraper, and a bag of sand for traction on ice.

Carry extra winter clothing — the first rule of winter comfort and survival is to stay dry.

Don’t use cruise control in wintry conditions. A brief touch of your brakes to deactivate the cruise control feature can cause you to lose control of your vehicle.

Remember: A four-wheel drive vehicle can -lose traction on ice just as easily as a two-wheel drive vehicle.

Make sure your car is in good working condition. Check these:

Ignition system	Antifreeze
Fuel system	Wiper blades
Belts	Washer fluid
Fluid levels	Tire tread/pressure
Brakes	Defroster
Exhaust system	Proper grade oil
Battery	Cooling

DOH Pub 821-047
Revised - March 2008