SAFETY TIPS

Make your own emergency car kit

Planning ahead for danger can mean the difference between life and death. In recent years, law enforcement have suggested that every driver equip themselves with an emergency car care kit.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED
What type of emergency car care kit you need depends entirely on where you live and what type of conditions you drive in.

BASIC EMERGENCY CAR CARE KIT

The following are items you gather together inside a small box, toolkit or lock box and store in your trunk or under a seat:

FIRST AID KIT containing aspirin, bandages, gauze, eyewash, moist wipes, antibiotic ointment and burn cream.

DUCT TAPE. You'd be surprised how many times a single roll of duct tape will save you. Duct tape can temporarily fix a broken windshield wiper, hold glass together, pick up glass shards, serve as a temporary gas cover, mend a broken hose and has a thousand other uses.

BRIGHTLY COLORED CLOTH or "emergency" sign which you can tie or place somewhere on your car to signal for help.

CB or cellular phone to call for help. Many phones are now on the market, including special 911 units and prepaid cellular phones.

TOOLS such as wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, and socket wrenches.

BOOSTER CABLES to jump a dead or faulty battery.

EXTRA FUSES

BLANKETS

EMERGENCY LIGHT or flashlight

BOTTLED water for consumption or cars that may overheat or lose battery water.

WINTER CAR CARE KIT

Those living in areas where severe weather can bring temperatures quickly below the freezing point should always carry items which will keep them warm and dry in the event of an emergency. Other winter emergency items should include:

First Aid Kit
Weather Radio
Bottled water
Blankets
Extra gloves or mittens
Shovel
Scarf

If disaster does strike while you're out in the winter, use common sense. Wind chills can freeze body parts in just a few minutes. Keep all areas of the skin covered if you must venture outside your car. (Though law enforcement experts recommend you stay INSIDE your car during winter storms and wait for help to arrive.)

TIPS

BEFORE venturing out during the winter, tune into your local radio or television station for an updated weather forecast. Know what storm warnings mean!

Winter storm watch

Winter storms are possible in your area.

Winter storm warning:

Storms are heading to your area

Blizzard warning: Strong winds and dangerous wind chills are expected.

A BAG of kitty litter or sand in the trunk of a light car or truckbed will help weigh the car down and prevent swaying.