How to stay safe on the road.
Summer 2020
What happens if a tornado touches down and you are on the road?
For one, you'll need to pull over (not beneath an underpass) and cover your head with a thick blanket.
What is one of the top ways people lose their lives in a flood?
Yup, in their car.
Below we offer some disaster-specific road safety tips and gear. Being on the road is often an overlooked, yet crucial part of emergency preparation.
It is very possible you will not be in the comfort of your home when an emergency happens. By preparing ahead of time, you and your loved ones might avoid driving through a disaster in the first place, or at least get through one in better shape if you do. You might even become a heroic first responder!
One of the first items you should keep in your car is tiny, cheap, and powerful: a window breaker and seat belt cutter. If you get in a car crash, fire, or a flood use this tool to cut the seatbelt. Hit the corner of the window and kick it out with your foot if you can.
Flash flood safety.
One third of flood deaths happen in the car, especially due to flash floods. Pack some flotation devices for yourself and for your passengers. And most importantly, if you see water, turn around - don't drown!
Winter storm safety.
Next to flash floods, winter storms are the other big risk on the road. Avoid driving through one in the first place if you can by using public transportation, or just staying put. In case an emergency does happen, here are some of the best winter safety items to keep in your car.
Backup power.
Having backup power is always smart so you are less likely to get stuck in dangerous elements. We recommend a phone charger, jumper cables, and a car battery charger. The Uncharted Zeus is one of our favorites.
Road safety survival basics.
If you do get stuck somewhere, be sure you can meet your basic needs. This means water, food, and a first aid kit. We love these water packets because they are heat resistant. Both the food and water has a five year shelf-life.
Advanced road safety survival.
Equip yourself to go the extra mile with these advanced road safety tools. Each one of these items is great to have for your car, and if you come across someone else in need on the road.