If you had to leave at a moment’s notice, would you be ready? Would your car?

 

September is FEMA’s National Preparedness Month.

 
You often hear advice on keeping emergency supplies in your car in case you are stranded in the snow. While that’s good advice, it’s better to be prepared year round. Roadside emergencies or neighborhood evacuations can happen anywhere, at any time of year. Give yourself peace of mind by performing regular maintenance on your vehicle and having a well-stocked emergency kit in the trunk.
 

Your emergency kit should contain:	In the winter months, also include:
Complete first aid kit	Salt or kitty litter
Flashlight and extra batteries	Ice Scraper
Multipurpose tool	Blankets
Jumper cables	Non-perishable food
Road flares
Bottled water
Emergency cash

 

If space in your vehicle allows or severe weather is predicted, you may also want to include:
Fire extinguisher
Extra phone charger
Baby wipes
Rain poncho
Tarp
Duct tape
Rags

 
Equally important in an emergency is knowing your car is safe and reliable.
 

• Have your vehicle inspected regularly by a certified mechanic.

• Routinely keep your gas tank over a ¼ full.

• Replace your tires when their tread is less than 4/32 or if they develop uneven wear. Having low tire tread greatly reduces your grip on the road and is especially dangerous in wet or snowy conditions.

• Check your tire pressure monthly when they are cold.

• A complete brake inspection should be performed once a year, and have any trouble signs checked out as soon as possible.

• Check your fluid levels once a month, and bring it to your mechanic right away if you suspect a leak.

• Have your battery tested to verify it is charging at the correct rate. If it is over 3 years old it may be time for a replacement.

 
You can find more information about preparing your home and family at www.ready.gov.
 
If you need an appointment to have your vehicle’s readiness inspected, give us a call at 860-951-1083.