Friday, November 9, 2012

Emergency Car Kit - Don't Leave Home Without It!

Greetings, Jeep Lovers!
This past week we were hit with snow and sleeting rain here in central Mass.  True, the storm never reached epic proportions this far from the coast, but then again, most people living in the tri-town area have to commute for work.  A friend was stuck driving home from work after the snow had changed to sleet.  His trip includes time on the 495 and Rt. 2.  He saw cars on the side of the road, others having a lot of trouble making safe progress, even an overturned flatbed truck.  This is when we are happy that Jeeps seem to have just the right amount of weight to be stable, as well as the four-wheel drive to maintain traction and secure driving.  Once he got past a certain point on Rt. 2 he had no problems.  That's New England for you...concentrated messy areas surrounded by large areas of natural beauty. 

So we know Jeeps rock...and we know winter's tough around here.  But there is something we can't account for: chaos.  Another friend flipped his truck going 20 mph and hitting black ice which carried him over an embankment.  It was very early in the morning and normally no one is on the road at that time.  Luckily a police car was right there at the time, because the officer had just had a very similar problem!  You may have heard of the woman who went off the road and wasn't discovered for a week.  She survived on a packet of peanut M&Ms and melted snow!  I love my Jeep and have no doubt that it would take a lot to get me off the road and in trouble, but what ifs can be scary.  That's why I have an emergency kit in my car!  Here's some ideas for items to include in yours.  Believe me, it's a weight off my mind, just knowing it's there!  You can make your own for under $100, but in the event of an emergency it will be PRICELESS.

Container:
- Toolbox (to keep everything together and tidy)

Shelter:
- Emergency Blankets
- Ponchos
- Handwarmers
- Duck (duct) Tape


Illumination/Fire:
- Glowsticks
- Flashlight w/batteries
- 50 Pk of Tea Light Candles
- Sterno Cans
- Lighters
- Waterproof Matches

Automotive:
- Tow Straps
- Fix-A-Flat

Nourishment:
- Freeze Dried Food Packets
- Bottled Water
- Five Hour Energy Drinks


Medical:
- Advil
- First Aid Kit
- Potable Water Tablets
- Hand Sanitizer
- Any vital medication

You can add to these suggestions, of course.  Perhaps an axe, rope, tent or saw?  Whatever makes you feel comfortable, but I think this is a great start and isn't so expensive that it can't be replaced if lost. If you or someone you care about is going to be on the road this winter, this might make an excellent holiday gift.
Until next time, stay safe!
J.M. for Lahti's Jeep

2 comments:

  1. This is a very informative and helpful post. An emergency car kit is a great idea for all vehicle owners to have. Driving a Jeep in inclement weather conditions makes me appreciate my Jeep even more. I feel much more safe and comfortable driving on snowy or rainy roads in my Jeep. I found mine at a great Jeep Dealer in McAllen TX. They provided great service and affordable prices.

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  2. Emergencies are inevitable. This post guides all riders on how to handle situations when they happen. Driving my jeep on snow or wet roads has always being a challenge to me. I have an amazing experience with Rubicon Express suspensions and I have not regretted at any given time.

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