Vehicle emergency preparedness
How to drive safely in a disaster
If you are in a moving vehicle during an earthquake:
- Stop quickly and stay in the vehicle
- Move to a clear area away from buildings, trees, overpasses, or utility wires
- Proceed with caution once the shaking has stopped, and be prepared for aftershocks
- Avoid bridges or ramps that might be damaged
- Listen to the radio for public service announcements for information on road closures, and what routes you can use
Vehicle emergency kit
If you are in your vehicle when an emergency happens, have these life-saving supplies with you:
- Axe or hatchet
- Booster cables
- Cloth or roll of paper towels
- Compass
- Emergency food pack
- Extra clothing or footwear
- Fire extinguisher
- First aid kit with seat belt cutter
- Flashlight and batteries
- Ice scraper and brush
- Matches and a survival candle in a deep can (to warm hands and drinks)
- Methyl hydrate (to de-ice fuel lines and windshields)
- Road maps
- Sand, salt, or cat litter
- Shovel
- Survival blanket
- Tow chain
- Traction mats
- Warning light or road flares
