Vehicle Preparedness

Given what has happened on 95n in Virginia, as well as the current weather, here are some thoughts. Before we even get into the go bag that you should have with you, let's talk about your car.

Your vehicle should be in good repair. You should never let the gas tank go below half if you can help it. Your tire pressures should've been checked within the past month, and more often if temperatures have fluctuated severely. Ambient air temperature is the number one reason why tire pressures change. Also, checking your tire pressures regularly will alert you to slow leaks before they become disasterous. Your fluids should all be reasonably fresh and checked prior to a real trip. Your washer fluid reservoir should be full with the appropriate type of fluid for the outdoor weather. Additionally, if your brakes are even slightly suspect, get them serviced. Fresh pads and fluid won't crush you financially, but failing brakes may crush you for real.

Things you should have in your vehicle no matter what, and no matter the season:

• Cell phone and multiple ways to charge it.
• Spare tire or tire inflation kit in good working order.
• Water, at least a liter per occupant, and perhaps more depending on the weather.
• Snacks that are temperature stable and aren't too salty.
• Jump box/external battery charger. You can jump your car with it or power mobile devices.
• First aid kit, to include basics as well as trauma level stuff. (And training on how to use it.)
• Fire extinguisher.

You may also want to include a toolkit if you have the ability to use it.

In your personal/go bag, consider the following extras:

• Poncho
• Hat
• Gloves (work or cold weather or nitrile or all 3)
• Baby wipes/handi wipes
• Duct tape
• Paracord
• Torch/matches/fire starting materials
• Notepad and pens
• Spare batteries for anything that requires them

If the weather is cold, consider adding to your car:

• Snow brush/window scraper
• Extra coat
• Pack of handwarmers
• Snow pants

Things you should always have on your person:

• Sensible footwear for the environment
• Knife
• Flashlight
• Lawful self defense items

Sometimes bad things happen, and we are powerless to keep that from happening, but we can prepare for it and mitigate the consequences. Given what you're seeing on the news now, what do you keep in your car and on your person?