Automobiles: Packing an Emergency Kit
Emergency Kit
You never know when you may have an unexpected car breakdown, or where. Here are some items you should have in your emergency kit:
- Flares or reflector triangles
- Jumper cables
- First-aid kit
- Empty gas can
- Motor oil
- Distilled water
- Fire extinguisher
- Non-perishable high-calorie foods
- Money for phone calls and cab fare
- Cellphone
- Blankets
- Candles
- Shovel, ice scraper
- Traction mats, sand
- Antifreeze
If you are driving in remove areas, even if on a highway, you may wish to have your emergency gas can filled (use extreme caution). If you are travelling in the north, in desert or mountain areas, you should include the "winter" items because night times can be very cold, even in the middle of summer.
In most parts of Canada, you can dial "911" from any payphone. If that does not work, then dial "0" and ask the operator for assistance. If you are a member of an auto club, you should have your membership card with you as well as a list of emergency numbers along your route. If you are travelling along the Trans-Canada Highway, you will find that cell phones work most (though not all) of the route. Coverage may vary depending on your provider; check before leaving
(see Coverage Maps)
First Aid Kit
You whould be ready for a variety of minor (and major) medical emergencies when
travelling. Remember that you may be some distance away from medical help or
hospitals, and that you are in unfamiliar territory. Here are some items you
should include in a travel first-aid kit. Many of these items are included with
pre-packaged first aid kits that can be bought from the Red Cross:
- lightweight blanket
- travel pillow for elevating head or feet
- triangular cloth bandage (also as a sling)
- several large bandages
- rolled bandages for wrapping injuries
- assortment of sterile bandages ("Band-Aids")
- several gauze pads for wounds
- sterile wash towelettes
- cotton swabs ("Q-Tips")
- medicated cream for cuts & burns ("Polysporin")
- any special medications or prescriptions used in the family
- bottle of pain killer ("Aspirin")
- bottle of sunscreen
- insect repellent (avoid aerosol versions)
- motion sickness medication, if prescribed
- copies of health insurance forms, if treatment is needed
- list of all medications, special diets, and allergies, and physician's
name & phone number
Note: some of the items are registered trademarks which belong to the
owners of those trademarks.
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