Turning Your Vehicle Into A Shelter

Jul 13, 2022

travel safety

Author: LARRY PHILLIPS

What To Do When Mother Nature Stops You Cold In Your Tracks

STAY CALM AND FOCUSED

In the event of a storm and you are unable to continue driving, it is better to stay in your car than to run outside and risk injury or death. The safest place for you is your vehicle because cars are designed with safety features that protect occupants from severe weather conditions and impact forces.

There are many different types of emergencies but staying safe starts with preparing now. There are myths that suggest during a tornado you to take.

shelter under a highway overpass which is incorrect and very dangerous. If the tornado is at a distance travel in right angles to get out of it’s path seek shelter immediately. If you do not have time for that, get out of your car and get into a low-lying area like a tin horn or ditch.

CELL PHONE AND COMMUNICATION

One way to eliminate the worry of a dead cell phone is a hand-crank radio with USB feature. The hand-crank radio is a life saver for those who are looking to stay safe in the event of an earthquake, natural disaster, or roadside emergency. They are one of the best ways to keep up with what's happening around you and your community when nothing else can get through. For example: many models have flashlight, built-in solar and USB chargers that allow them to be powered from 3 different sources. USB, Solar and Hand-Crank powered.

The hand-crank radio with multi-power source means they never need batteries! If you are stranded and it appears it could be considerable time before you are able to continue travel reach out to trusted individual drop a pin of your location with landmarks including mile markers. Let them know you will be reaching out periodically until you reach safety.

FIRST-AID KIT

A first aid kit is an essential piece of emergency gear to have in your vehicle. It's not a matter of if you'll need it, but when. Having some basic first aid supplies on hand can help you provide quick care for someone who has cut themselves until first responders arrive or your able to get medical attention.

The Red Cross recommends that all first aid kits for a family of four include the following:

• 2 absorbent compress dressings (5 x 9 inches)

• 25 adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)

• 1 adhesive cloth tape (10 yards x 1 inch)

• 5 antibiotic ointment packets (approximately 1 gram)

• 5 antiseptic wipe packets

• 2 packets of aspirin (81 mg each)

• 1 emergency blanket

• 1 breathing barrier (with one-way valve)

• 1 instant cold compress

• 2 pair of nonlatex gloves (size: large)

• 2 hydrocortisone ointment packets (approximately 1 gram each)

• 1 3 in. gauze roll (roller) bandage

• 1 roller bandage (4 inches wide)

• 5 3 in. x 3 in. sterile gauze pads

• 5 sterile gauze pads (4 x 4 inches)

• Oral thermometer (non-mercury/nonglass)

• 2 triangular bandages

• Tweezers

• First-Aid Guide

ROADSIDE EMERGENCY KIT

A good roadside emergency kit will contain as many as 100 pieces in an all-in-one kit. Some of the basic must-haves include air compressor, roadside flares or high visibility strobe light, first-aid kit, reflective triangles, small shovel, jumper cables, tow-strap, spare fuses, small tool kit, duct tape, zip ties, flashlight, blanket, rain-poncho, reflective vest, glass breakage hammer with seat-belt cutter, gloves and utility knife.

FOOD AND WATER

A well-stocked go bag with food and water is essential during a flood evacuation. Survival foods kits are available with shelf life up to 25 years that are very affordable. Also include protein bars, almonds, and instant foods such as oatmeal and noodles. It is recommended that you carry 1 gallon of water per day, per person. Don’t forget to include pet food and water.

If you are stuck in the snow, run your motor for 10 minutes every hour to maintain heat. But do not leave it on longer than that or else you'll be risking carbon monoxide poisoning! The safest thing for you to do in this situation is stay inside your vehicle. Snow and cold can disorient both animals and humans, so it’s not a good idea to walk around looking for help.

EXCERCISE AND KEEP MOVING

Sitting for prolonged periods of time is unhealthy. It is important to move your arms, legs and fingers on a regular basis. Stretching often is also very good idea too! Exercise can help you keep moving when it’s cold outside too because exercise keeps the body in motion which helps avoid hypothermia. You should also make sure that you do not wear wet clothes or get them wet if possible either as this will only have negative effects on your health and well-being! Stay near your vehicle. Leaving your vehicle and exposing yourself to harsh winter weather increases your chance of hypothermia.

ADDITIONAL CLOTHING

Boots are always essential when traveling during colder seasons because they keep feet warm by trapping heat inside them even after walking through snow that has gotten on top of them, so it would also be wise to have an additional set as well just in case one pair becomes dampened before arriving at the desired location.

It is also important to bring the right additional clothes. You should pack an extra outfit along with thick thermal socks, gloves, and winter boots in case your other clothing gets wet while driving or if there is inclement weather at your destination. These items will help prevent hypothermia from occurring which can be life-threatening!

PRACTICE PATIENCE

We hope that you never have to face a storm emergency, but it is better to be prepared and know what your options are in the event of an unforeseen situation. The safest place for you is in your vehicle in most cases because cars today are designed with safety features that protect occupants from severe weather conditions and impact forces.

There are many different types of emergencies but staying safe starts by preparing now. Think about where would be the best location if there was ever an earthquake or terrorist attack? Where do you keep important documents like birth certificates and social security cards? These things should not only be thought out ahead of time, but they also need to actually exist somewhere outside your home so they can easily be found when needed most.

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