News

With hurricane season upon us, now is the time to get your emergency kit in order. This kit can be invaluable to you and your family's safety, and the good things is:  you most likely have everything you already need.

You just need to make sure it's all gathered together and ready to go!

Item #1: Non-Perishable Food and Water

The first thing you'll need in your emergency kit is food and water. Hurricanes can knock out power for days or even weeks, so you'll want to have enough non-perishable food and water on hand to last you and your family until the power comes back on. Pack enough food and water for each person in your household for three days.

Item #2: First Aid Kit

Your second item is a first aid kit. This is important because injuries are more likely to occur during a hurricane, whether it's from flying debris, car accidents or flooding. A first aid kit will help you be prepared to deal with minor injuries until professional medical help is available. Make sure your first aid kit is stocked with bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes, pain reliever, and any other items you might need.

Item #3: Flashlight, Lantern and Batteries

Your third item is a flashlight for each member of your household along with a lantern for each room and extra batteries. Hurricanes often knock out power, leaving you in the dark. A flashlight will help you navigate your home in the dark and signal for help if needed. The lanterns will make sure that you have critical, hands-free light when needed. Be sure to pack extra batteries as well so that your flashlight doesn't run out of power when you need it most.

Need some recommendations on what types to get?  How about the Monster LED Camping Lantern, the Sentinel 2.0 Flashlight, and the High Capacity D Batteries.

Item #4: Whistle

Your fourth item is a whistle. This might seem like an odd item to include in an emergency kit, but it can actually be quite useful. If you're stuck in your home after a hurricane and need to signal for help, a whistle will be much louder than shouting and will help rescuers find you faster.

Item #5: Portable Charger for Phone

In the event you are without power for an extended period of time, your cell phone might be the only way of communicating with the outside world. And  while they are great to have, they are only good if you have a portable charger to keep them powered.  We recommend the Internova Rechargeable Camping Lantern & Power Bank, as it can double as a lantern and cell phone charger.

Item #6: Cash

The fifth and final item you'll need in your emergency kit before a hurricane is cash. ATMs won't be working if the power is out, so it's important to have cash on hand in case you need to buy supplies or evacuate. Get enough cash to cover expenses for three days in small denominations so that it's easy to spend.

Item #7:  Important Documents

In the event your home is flooded or destroyed, you will want to make sure that you have secured some of your most important documents. These should include medical documents, wills, passports, and personal identification.

Conclusion

A hurricane can be a devastating event, but being prepared can make all the difference. By packing an emergency kit well in advance, you can rest assured that you and your family will have the critical supplies you need until help arrives.

“Be prepared” may be the mantra of the Boy Scouts, but this maxim isn’t limited to hiking or camping situations, and there may be no circumstance where it is more applicable than prepping for a road trip.

While there is often a spirit of spontaneity around the idea of setting out on the open road, the truth is, it’s important to take the time to make sure your car is properly stocked with must-have items in the event of an emergency.

Is it fun to think about? Not really. Is it important to the safety of you and your passengers? Absolutely.

With the holidays approaching, odds are high that you will be opting for road trips to visit friends and loved ones. To ensure you’re properly prepared, we’ve gathered a list of 7 items that should be standard issue in your car before taking off to distant destinations.

A spare tire…that’s fully inflated

This may seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many people purchase a car and never think about their spare tire until they need it…often years later.

Spare tires are prone to slowly losing air over time, so check the air pressure before taking off. You should also plan to replace the tire altogether if it’s over six years old.

Jumper Cables

Think of a set of jumper cables as insurance—you may never need them but, if you do, you’ll be awfully glad to have them on hand.

A Basic Set of Tools and Accessories

Keep a toolbox in your car with a few basic necessities like:

• A socket and screwdriver set
• A fixed-blade knife
• A tow strap
• A tire pressure gauge
• A can of fix-a-flat

A Flashlight

It’s important to keep a reliable light source on hand in the event your emergency takes place at night. And even in the daylight, a flashlight can make checking under the hood of your car infinitely easier.

The Guardian 1300XL Tactical Flashlight is the perfect accessory for your car.

Not only can it illuminate up to 300 yards (that’s 3 football fields, friends!), it also has an SOS mode that can be used to signal for help.

Emergency Warning Triangles

Warning triangles are inexpensive, but just might save your life in the event of an emergency. These highly reflective signs increase your visibility and warn other drivers of your presence.

First Aid Kit

Keep a first aid kit in your car that contains all the basics. There are a variety of kits on the market, and you don’t have to purchase one that is marketed for use in the car (though such kits often contain roadside necessities like jumper cables in addition to the standard first-aid items).

Any kit you purchase should include items like antiseptic wipes, tweezers, bandages, band aids, scissors, tape, gloves, and a cold pack. You may also want to add an emergency blanket if one isn’t included.

Cold Weather Items

If you’re travelling during harsh winter weather, you may want to add a few items that you don’t necessarily need the rest of the year, like:

• Ice scraper and/or snow brush for windshields and windows
• Cat litter (can be used for traction)
• Extra blankets

Let go of the idea that being prepared means you lack spontaneity and wear the badge of a responsible, prepared car owner with pride. With just a few inexpensive necessities, you can ensure you have everything you need for a rollicking…and safe…road trip.

###

References

Trip Savvy

National Safety Council

Discount Tire

Motor Authority

Auto Guide

Many of us enjoy packing up and camping in the great outdoors, but the idea of bringing the entire family along can sometimes feel intimidating.

The truth is camping is an excellent recreational activity—and kids aren’t the only ones who benefit from it. We’ve gathered 5 ways camping with the fam can forge deep, meaningful bonds…and who doesn’t want that?