How's that latest rendition of Murphy's Law go again?
You only ever really need something when you forget to include it.
I've steadily come to realise over the past few months that self-reliance in the midst of an emergency is the only way to go. Whether that be in a self-defense situation, a car breakdown, or any of the innumerable situations that potentially may crop up in daily life, relying on someone else to save your neck is an irresponsible and reckless action.
Therefore, a week ago, I went shopping around to assemble a list of goods to keep in my car in case of emergencies. It's a fairly short list of items, but I hope it will grow in the future. Currently, it includes:
Storable High-energy food, (powerbars, nuts)
Juice boxes
Flashlights
Space Blankets
Whistles
Tarp
Rope
Fixed blade Swedish Frost's knife
Candles/Matches/Bic lighters
Lots of spare change
Pencils and paper
First Aid Supplies
I feel the biggest lack in this kit is appropriate tools and the knowledge to use them.
Of course, wouldn't you know it, my car broke down in the suburbs a good 6-7 km from my house at 2:00 am three days ago. And the neatly packaged "survival kit" I'd assembled was sitting at home in my living room. Naturally, since Murphy never does anything half-way, it so happened that I'd gone to play badminton with my friends that night, and I'd left the Leatherman, UKE 2L flashlight, and other assorted belt-carried goodies at home.
Thankfully, I was at least one step ahead of total disaster, in that I never leave home without several quarters, so once I found a payphone at the then-closed corner store, I was able to call for help from friends and family. However, depending on your city, wandering around in the middle of the night is often a less than desirable action.
Moral of the story: Be prepared. I'd be interested in hearing what everyone else keeps in their cars, and whether they have the working knowledge to fix common breakdown problems. Several of my friends and family don't know how to change a tire! Last but not least, please mention if you're an urban or a rural resident.
Ian
You only ever really need something when you forget to include it.
I've steadily come to realise over the past few months that self-reliance in the midst of an emergency is the only way to go. Whether that be in a self-defense situation, a car breakdown, or any of the innumerable situations that potentially may crop up in daily life, relying on someone else to save your neck is an irresponsible and reckless action.
Therefore, a week ago, I went shopping around to assemble a list of goods to keep in my car in case of emergencies. It's a fairly short list of items, but I hope it will grow in the future. Currently, it includes:
Storable High-energy food, (powerbars, nuts)
Juice boxes
Flashlights
Space Blankets
Whistles
Tarp
Rope
Fixed blade Swedish Frost's knife
Candles/Matches/Bic lighters
Lots of spare change
Pencils and paper
First Aid Supplies
I feel the biggest lack in this kit is appropriate tools and the knowledge to use them.
Of course, wouldn't you know it, my car broke down in the suburbs a good 6-7 km from my house at 2:00 am three days ago. And the neatly packaged "survival kit" I'd assembled was sitting at home in my living room. Naturally, since Murphy never does anything half-way, it so happened that I'd gone to play badminton with my friends that night, and I'd left the Leatherman, UKE 2L flashlight, and other assorted belt-carried goodies at home.
Thankfully, I was at least one step ahead of total disaster, in that I never leave home without several quarters, so once I found a payphone at the then-closed corner store, I was able to call for help from friends and family. However, depending on your city, wandering around in the middle of the night is often a less than desirable action.
Moral of the story: Be prepared. I'd be interested in hearing what everyone else keeps in their cars, and whether they have the working knowledge to fix common breakdown problems. Several of my friends and family don't know how to change a tire! Last but not least, please mention if you're an urban or a rural resident.
Ian
)
