TO:    ALL WOOD COUNTY ARES MEMBERS  (OFFICIAL)
       ALL ARES AND NON-ARES AMATEURS ANYWHERE  (INFORMATION)
FROM:  KEN HARRIS WA8LLM ARRL DISTRICT 3
EMERGENCY COORDINATOR WOOD COUNTY EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS INC.

WOOD COUNTY ARES BULLETIN NR 20.20      DATE: May 17, 2020
SUBJECT: WHAT'S IN YOUR CAR?

Do you have any idea what you have in your car that can be used to help out in an emergency?  You might be surprised how you might be able to help if you're going down the road minding your own business when you stumble onto an emergency.  An emergency doesn't always mean that it's life threatening, but might be just an inconvenience for someone, maybe even yourself.

What happens if it's just a flat tire, do you have a jack and a lug wrench?  What happens if it's after dark, do you have a flashlight to help you see?  What happens if the car is over heated, do you have a jug of water that might help.  The same water that you might use to help an over heated car could also be used as drinking water if it is kept in a clean plastic jug.

How about a fire extinguisher or a section of rope?  How about some simple tools like a screwdriver, hammer, pair of pliers, or even a wire coat hanger.  These tools don't take up much room but might just help someone who needs them.  A set of 10, 15, or 30-minute flares would even be handy to warn oncoming traffic of danger ahead.

The next time you look in the trunk of your car, think about the different types of accidents or other emergencies that you might happen upon and think of simple items that may help.  Sit down now and make a list of things that could be of use the next time you come upon an emergency or accident.

Ken Harris WA8LLM
WCEC
Wood County WV