People Who Never Panic In Emergencies Usually Keep 10 Practical Things In Their Car
Standret | ShutterstockBeing prepared for a worst-case scenario is exactly why some people can hold it together when a high-anxiety emergency happens. That preparation and forethought work in their favor, especially when it comes to their cars.
Cars break down, and accidents happen. It’s easy to fear these events and freeze when they happen. But people who keep their cool are prepared for the worst. They’ll keep practical items in their car to ensure they can find a way out of anything that is standing in their way.
Practical items people who keep calm in high-stress situations keep in their cars in case of an emergency:
1. A spare tire
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My dad always taught me to keep a spare tire in my car, but I realized that neither he nor I actually take that precaution. Instead, we rely on roadside assistance companies to change our tires if we get a flat while on the road. In reality, we aren’t exactly prepared for a true emergency. We’d need cell phone service to call the company for a tire change.
People who keep a spare tire in their car can keep calm, cool, and collected if they experience an emergency on a back road with no phone service. Instead of relying on others and technology, they can change their tire themselves and move on with their day without working up a sweat. It allows them to drive 50-60 miles until they have to replace the tire, getting them to safety.
2. Charging blocks for their phones
Nearly everyone has a phone charger in their car. Most cars these days have a USB port that revolutionized how people use their phones behind the wheel. This can plug into their car’s system for their GPS or to play music over the speakers. While this is helpful, it doesn’t always help in emergencies.
Let’s say your car breaks down. You’re without power, and your phone is dying. You need to call for help, but you don’t have enough battery. If you’re thoroughly prepared for any emergency, keeping a charging block in your car is a no-brainer. It’ll allow you to charge your phone without any power from the car.
3. A tire gauge
A tire gauge can prevent an emergency before it happens. Checking your tire pressure often makes you aware of how full, or flat, your tires are. A popped tire can cause serious issues on the road, putting both the driver and other cars at risk. Plus, they can leave you stranded without a car to drive.
Maintenance on your car is the best way to ensure you will get from Point A to Point B safely. Experts say keeping a tire gauge is important because it will keep a flat tire from sneaking up on you.
4. A first aid kit
The American Red Cross recommends you keep a first aid kit in your home and your car. Accidents happen, and you may never know when you will experience one on the road.
Some people take preparing for the worst very seriously. In their kit, they’ll have things like bandages, any medications they need to take, and antibiotic ointment, to name a few supplies. They’ll never have to panic knowing they have supplies in the car to get them through injury or a long-term breakdown on the side of the road.
Not everyone thinks to put a first aid kit in their cars. Keeping calm in an emergency can be helped by feeling you’re prepared.
5. Jumper cables
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My first car was a lemon. That thing would die on me WHILE I was driving. It was a nightmare, and I never felt secure getting around in it. What gave me some source of comfort was having a pair of jumper cables in the trunk. Although I was always nervous to ask for help, it saved me in several situations where I would have been stranded in a parking lot or on the side of the road.
A dead battery is one of the most common problems cars have. Not only does having them make people feel prepared for any emergency, but knowing how to use them properly provides another level of comfort. There is no need to panic when they feel confident they can help themselves if they become stranded.
6. A tool to break a window
Having tools to escape your vehicle in an emergency can save your life. One of these tools can be used for breaking your windows. I know, as a car owner, your skin is likely crawling at the thought of a broken window. However, when it’s a matter of saving yourself or your car, the choice is clear.
Car windows are becoming stronger for our protection, but they can cause problems in a serious car accident or in a body of water. Someone prepared for any emergency likely keeps a tool specifically made to get them out of a scary situation. Whether your door is dented or you are trying to escape a vehicle in a dangerous situation, having this option is important and can be life-saving.
7. A flashlight
Imagine you’re driving on a dark road. Suddenly, your car sputters, and you have to pull over. How terrified are you? I know I’d be freaking out. For someone who takes the time to prepare themselves for an emergency, a flashlight is likely on their safety checklist. While our phones are equipped with them, they can die. It’s best to be overly prepared in these situations.
A flashlight with extra batteries is a must-have for your car safety kit, AAA says. A hand-held flashlight is stronger than our phones. It’s easier to stay calm when you’re stranded in the dark knowing you are prepared.
8. A fire extinguisher
A study found that vehicle fires accounted for 16% of reported incidents to emergency services. They are often more dangerous than structural fires, and can have a serious impact on the driver. Keeping a fire extinguisher in your car gives you a better chance of quickly bringing yourself to safety. Having one is part of the solution; knowing how to use it properly is the other.
If someone knows how to use a fire extinguisher, they likely feel calmer in a serious emergency because they can put out any fire. It doesn’t only impact them. They’ll also have the ability to help others, keeping a level head in a stressful situation where many people would panic.
9. A blanket
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Since emergencies are unexpected, you’ll never know what the weather is like when you are stuck in your car as it breaks down. Having a blanket can make the waiting process more comfortable if the tow truck company is busy that night. Having a source of warmth and comfort can keep someone calm in a stressful situation. They can focus on what's going on while keeping warm no matter what.
Blankets in the car can serve multiple purposes. Need to change your tire or get on the ground for another car repair-related reason? Placing one down on the ground can protect your body from the hard pavement.
10. Extra snacks and water
There are many reasons why a prepared person keeps non-perishable food and water bottles in their cars. Not only does it serve them well when dealing with a roadside emergency, but if they were unable to get into their home, they’d have supplies to keep themselves fed and hydrated until they can get back to safety.
Dehydration can kick in quicker than we realize. By the time you are overly thirsty, you are likely already dehydrated. To avoid this, it’s important to drink water before thirst occurs, which a prepared person can easily do with extra water on hand.
Our bodies use food for energy, and when you have hunger cues, it can be important to fulfill them. In an emergency, you need to maintain as much focus and stamina as you can. Prepared people never panic when they have extra food on hand, knowing that they’ll be able to care for themselves no matter the situation.
Haley Van Horn is a freelance writer with a master’s degree in Humanities, living in Los Angeles. Her focus includes entertainment and lifestyle stories.
