As you know, National Day is celebrated on 2 December each year here in the UAE (it marks the country's Union Day between the seven emirates which was followed by the joining of the seventh emirate, Ras Al Khaimah, in 1972...) and during the holidays, plenty of residents will be wanting to undertake road trips with family and friends. That sounds like a lot of fun but there are all sorts of sticky situations that you could potentially end up in when you’re driving along in your vehicle and we’re not just talking about the most common of these unforeseen scenarios or indeed the easiest to fix - a flat tyre… No, there are other mishaps just waiting to happen, trickier ones to deal with, that could slam on the brakes on that getaway of yours so it is of utmost importance to be prepared for any such eventuality by equipping your car with handy emergency items to help you get back on track. Or, you could just phone for assistance if disaster strikes, but where’s the fun in that? Being able to take immediate action yourself is far more satisfying, although it helps to have the right tools for the job - so what exactly should you have with you? Remember that old saying, “It’s better to have something and not need it, than need it and not have it”? Well, with that that firmly in mind, here is our list of emergency equipment that every car owner needs to keep in their vehicle:
1 - First aid kit:
It could be the most crucial out of all the things you should keep in your car but a large majority of drivers do not carry one of these. Some of the basics a first aid kit should include is burn ointment, antibacterial ointment, bandages, band-aids and cleansing alcohol.
2 - Jumper cables:
Don’t be stranded for hours on end – just keep one of these with you if when you turn the key all you hear is a series of painful clicks. Now you just need to wait for another car…
3 - Flat tyre kit:
Just a spare tyre in the boot won’t be enough if you need to replace a flat – you need other tools for the job too. Make sure your spare has air, you have a jack, a lug wrench and wheel chocks.
4 - Fire extinguisher:
One of these can get you some degree of control of a blaze until the fire brigade arrives.
5 - Reflective triangles:
Your car won’t pass its annual RTA inspection without one of these in the boot, so for that reason alone it’s a must have.
6 - Flashlight:
You can’t pick and choose when your vehicle will breakdown – it could happen during the dead of the night when it is pitch black; a flashlight will help you see better. Make sure the batteries are good.
7 - Mobile phone and charger:
Some people can’t change a flat tyre. They also can’t tell their alternators from their fuel injectors. Therefore, these people must be able to call for help or they’re in serious trouble…
8 - Food and water:
In the unlikely event that you are stranded for a significant amount of time in the middle of nowhere, food and water would be vital. We’re not talking slap-up meals – keep it light and easy, nuts and raisins will suffice - don’t stuff chocolate bars in your glove box if it’s the middle of summer, for obvious reasons…
9 - Seat belt cutter and glass breaker:
If you ever find yourself submerged in water then this powerful tool could help free you and your loved ones.
10 - Blankets:
If you’re stuck in the desert at night during winter, you’ll get very cold. So, keep enough blankets for every passenger in your vehicle to help you stay warm until help arrives.
