Save money by putting
together an on-the-road emergency preparedness kit yourself.
Instructions
Step One Buy a waterproof sack that’s large
enough for everything you need. Include a smaller plastic bag inside
it to keep your medical supplies dry.
Step Two Pack a couple of flashlights, a
blanket or two, two large bottles of water, $20 in cash, safety
streamers, a whistle and a few snacks such as granola bars. If you
have a baby, a few emergency diapers and change of clothing.
Step Three Include everything you might need for
a medical emergency: 4-by-4-inch nonadhesive bandages, gauze and
medical tape, butterfly bandage strips and an elastic bandage. Add a
trauma pad, instant ice pack, alcohol wipes, tweezers, swabs, cotton
balls, a small pack of tissues, antibiotic ointment, tincture of
benzoin, insect sting relief pads, cortisone cream and an irrigation
syringe. Include acetaminophen and ibuprofen for pain relief, and
antihistamines for allergic reactions. A first aid instruction book
can be very helpful.
Step Four Keep a pencil and pad of paper on
hand in case you need to write down directions or a phone number.
Tips & Warnings
Invest in a
cellular phone.
Always wear
your seat belt.
Never leave a
child unattended in a car.
If your car
breaks down, stay inside with the doors locked until a highway
patrol officer stops.
If you do get
out of the car, stay in front of it rather than behind it.
If you can,
pull over to the shoulder of the road.
