School is out and summer is the time when families hit the road together for that memorable family vacation. As you plan your road trip and route your destinations, make sure your car has the appropriate first-aid and emergency kit contents and do a maintenance double check to ensure your car is in tip-top shape for the open road.

Ever since I was little, I have always looked forward to vacationing with family and friends. Growing up, we took a lot of road trips because we lived in a very central location to many awesome places. Sure, flights will get you to your destination in a more convenient and sometimes cheaper way, but road trips are a perfect family bonding experience. Check out three road trips across America that you should take with your kids before they are too old to enjoy playing “I Spy” in the car.

Washington D.C.

Washington D.C. is the perfect road trip for kids because it combines learning with fun. There is an abundance of museums, monuments, attractions and sporting events available in D.C. for your whole family to enjoy. There are so many kid-friendly attractions that offer hands-on experiences.

What to See and Do: Smithsonian Museums, American Art Museum, National Air and Space Museum, National Museum of American History, National Museum of Natural History, National Museum of the American Indian, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, World War II Memorial, Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial, The Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, The Korean War Veterans Memorial, Pentagon Memorial, The National Zoo, The National Archives, The International Spy Museum

Road Trip to the Coasts

I have very fond memories of enjoying summers at the beach. Whether you decide to road trip it to Florida, the Carolinas, or California, you are bound to have some fun in the sun. The great thing about going to the beach is that they are in abundance across the U.S. so you can choose the one closest to you. Just grab your swimsuit, sunscreen and sunglasses and be a beach bum with your family!

What to See and Do: the ocean, mini-golf, outlet shopping, ice cream shops, the pool, seafood restaurants, ocean activities: parasailing, kayaking, banana boat rides, scuba diving, dolphin watching

Disney World or Disneyland

Who doesn’t love Mickey and Minnie? While you can enjoy Disney at any age, there’s nothing like seeing your child’s face light up when they see their favorite Disney character in person. Visiting Disney World and Disneyland can be quite an expensive trip, so opting for a road trip instead of flying can save you a lot of money and help you cut some expenses. The Disney experience is a trip that your family will never forget!

What to See and Do: Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, character experiences, water parks, restaurants, shows, parades.

Be Sure to Prepare

So, in order to make a road trip successful, proper planning ahead and smart packing is important. Because you will be spending a lot of time in your car with your family, you should bring safety items like an emergency kit as well as snacks, blankets, and items to keep your kids entertained. You should make sure that your kit includes first aid items as well as items like a flashlight, whistle, and jumper cables as well as a spare tire in case your car breaks down.

Everyone loves an adventure but surprises on the road are better handled when you’re in control. Before you hit the road, make sure to pack an emergency kit stocked with all the vital First Aid and lifesaving tools you’ll need when seconds count. Our prepareme kits come in multiple kit sizes, so you’re sure to find one that suits you, your spouse and even any teen drivers in the house.

Rest and Relaxation v. Drowsy Driving

Be sure that you get proper rest before getting on the road, because long periods of driving can cause you to be drowsy. Also, try to make sure there is as least one person awake with the driver to keep their mind occupied to stay safe and prevent accidents. A good option to have in your car is an alertme “stay awake” device that can help alert you if you dose off. The alertme is also included in some of the kits.

Now that you’re fully prepared and inspired to take the road trip your kids will be talking about for years, take a photo of your family with your resqme tool, use #resqme, and show us what’s on your keychain!

Happy road tripping!

Author: Samantha Tung handles online media relations for Caliber Collision. She regularly produces content for a variety of lifestyle and automotive blogs, and in her spare time, she enjoys taking road trips and traveling.

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Writting by “Social Monsters“

When you’re a new driver, hitting the road is exciting. But whether it’s a short drive around town or a cross-country road trip, you should always be prepared. The most important things a driver can take on the road are proper skills and safety, but there are also a few other necessities that no new driver should be without.

1. Backup Cell Phone; Charger

You probably take your cell phone everywhere, but if your battery dies or your phone breaks during an emergency you will need a way to contact help. Many drivers use their phone’s GPS for driving directions or listen to fresh tunes on Pandora or Spotify. Both of these activities can quickly suck up battery life. A car charger can help you stay connected on a long drive. When all else fails, however, MSN Autos recommends keeping an old cell phone in your car at all times. Did you know that even a can be used to call 911? Make sure to keep the phone fully charged and in an accessible place.

2. Tire Repair Essentials

According to WyoTech Automotive School, tire repairs and replacements are one of the most common breakdown problems drivers encounter. Always carry a tire gauge in your car and check your tire pressure often before leaving the house. Refer to your vehicle owner manual to know exactly where your tire pressure should be. You should also carry a spare tire and a jack so if you do have a flat or a blowout you can quickly change your tire to get to the nearest auto repair shop. A tire repair kit can also quickly patch a punctured tire. Just remember these are short-term fixes and you should never drive for a long distance on a patched or a spare tire.

3. Emergency Kit And Personal Necessities

Always keep in your car for minor injuries or ailments. According to the Red Cross, this should include bandaids and bandages, alcohol wipes, ointment, gauze, a breathing barrier, scissors, cloth tape, aspirin, cold compress, thermometer, scissors and a first aid manual.

You should also include other emergency essentials like a change of clothes, an emergency blanket, duct tape, a multitool and a flashlight in case you breakdown in the dark. Check your kit regularly to make sure nothing is outdated and your flashlight batteries are still good.

Think about your personal needs when building an emergency kit. Motion sickness medication and extra water in BPA-free bottles are good additions to your kit.The Red Cross suggests checking with your doctor for specific medications. If you need corrective eyewear to drive, keep a spare pair of contacts or glasses in your car at all times. Online retailers like are often a less expensive place to buy extra.

4. Jumper Cables

You’d be surprised at how many people forget this essential. According to AskMen.com, people who winterize their car or live in hotter climates need a jump as often as people in cold climates and might forget to bring cables too late. The important thing is to check your owner manual to make sure you have the right kind of cables for your car. You might need something different from the standard four-clamp cables.

5. Map

Most drivers rely on GPS to get them where they need to go. But if you lose power or service you could end up lost and out of luck. Always carry a standard paper map or atlas in your car and update your copy every few years.

Written by Adrienne Erin

Driving your car may seem like such a routine task that it’s easy to overlook the potential of an emergency. The types of emergencies one can experience while driving are plentiful, including engine failures, flat tires, fires, weather-related havoc and accidents. Properly preparing for any emergency requires that you store essential items in your vehicle. Here’s a list to get you started.

Spare Tire, Tire Jack and Tire Iron

It’s always useful to carry a spare tire that’s in good condition, along with a tire jack and tire iron. Flat tires are one of the most common issues a driver can experience. Having a tire jack and tire iron ensures even a solo driver can get the job done, so they can fix the issue smoothly and quickly.

Also recommended are a tire inflator and sealer, if you’d prefer a temporary fix that can get you to the auto shop.

Flashlight, Duct Tape and WD-40

Available at most retail locations, duct tape and WD-40 can prove especially useful for leaky vehicles or otherwise clunky machinery. With the process aided by a flashlight, the short fix can prove just enough to get your vehicle to an auto shop. Read about some duct tape/WD-40 vehicle survival stories here.

Jumper Cables

Regardless of how durable your car is, dead batteries happen to everyone. Your best bet in this scenario is to jump-start your vehicle. You’ll need jumper cables and a fellow driver with a vehicle to lend a hand so you can charge your battery via their car’s power. You can also purchase an emergency battery booster if you’d prefer not to rely on the help of a stranger.

Warmth Essentials

Materials to keep warm, such as coats, blankets and a pair of warm gloves, weigh little and don’t take up much space, so there’s no excuse not to store them in your car in case you’re stranded in the cold for an extended period. They could mean the difference between a comfortable wait and frostbite.

Resqme Tool

The resqme tool is designed to serve as a rescue tool during vehicle entrapment, in case you get trapped in your vehicle during a car crash or malfunction. The tool can cut you free from tangled seat belts and break windows with its strong blade and spring-loaded spike, respectively. It’s a small tool every driver should have.

Water, First Aid Kit and Non-Perishable Food

In the case of an injury, be sure to purchase a first aid kit to help alleviate any injuries or pain caused by an accident. Similarly, you should store energy bars or other non-perishable food items in case you’re stranded or tipped over. This is in addition to water; you should have two bottles stored at all times, prioritized above food.

You never know when an on-road emergency may happen, so be sure to stock your vehicle as soon as possible with the items above to ensure the safety and recovery of you and your loved ones in the case of any emergency.

Stella Fin, our guest.

Road trips are great fun, especially when you’re with friends, and the weather is just perfect. Planning a road trip doesn’t only mean you pack your bags and set off for a splendid time in your truck, but there’s a lot more to it!

Since you’re taking your own transport, you need to make sure you’ve got the truck in top condition; you don’t want your truck to come to a halt in the middle of the night on a highway. So it’s good to be prepared for the worst – here are some things you need to check for a smooth drive before you travel in your truck:

1. Essential maintenance check

Before anything else, it’s important that you get your truck in good shape. Give your car a maintenance check up and have it spruced up. Get the engine oil changed, axel and chassis well oiled, breaks fixed if they are giving problems, and most of all; make sure you have a working wiper on both front and back windscreens.

2.  Check the Tires

When major repairs are done, the next most important thing to check is the tires. Check for any punctures, air pressure, etc. The tires should be in good condition. Also make sure the spare tire is also in good condition along with the jack just in case you need to change it.

3. Fuel Mark

Without a doubt, fill up your tank to the full mark to make sure you don’t have to stop too often in between a long drive. It is recommended you refill the tank as it reaches near half. It shouldn’t go as low as a quarter full only. You never know when you’ll pass by the next gas station.

4. Coolant

Check your truck’s air filter; this is essential to supply your truck’s engine with clean air. The air filter needs to be clean and clear of all dirt, dust and other contaminations. Check for the anti freeze.

5. GPS

Make sure you truck has a global positioning system installed in it. This allows you to track your truck’s position and makes it easy for you to locate gas stations, motels, hotels, restaurants, etc.

6. Travel Light

When you’re travelling in one big truck together, make certain not to overload it with unnecessary items. Travel light so it’s less of a hassle packing and at the same time you don’t go above the truck capacity.

7. Emergency Kit

No matter how short or long your travel is, it is always safe to carry an emergency kit with you. Make sure you have medicines for cough, cold, headaches, and have band aids too along with wet wipes. When you’re travelling, it doesn’t take too long to catch the cold, or have motion sickness.

8. Stock up on Snacks

If you’re off for a road trip, you’ve got to stock up on snacks and drinks. This is of vital importance if you’re travelling with kids in the Car or Truck. Kids need something or the other to munch on every little while, so before they get cranky and make your trip a misery, get some snacks.

Whenever you plan a road trip, make sure your truck is in top condition so you enjoy a safe and fun filled journey. For more details about Trucks, Trailers or Storage Containers feel free to visit – http://www.anjerinc.com

Biography: My name is Stella Fin; I am experienced in writing for small businesses. Currently I am working for Anjerinc, Which is dealing in Storage Containers and Storage Trailers in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. Find Stella on Twitter, Facebook and Google+. 

Picture source: http://www.anjerinc.com

What to Keep In Your Car Emergency Kit
By Guest Author: Samuel Joyce

Drivers face a plethora of crisis every day. Traffic jams, rough weather, flat tires, dead batteries, stranded miles away from a gas station or eatery, in the middle of the night, overheated radiators and much more. Whether you are few hundred kilometers out of your hometown or on the other side of the country, your only immediate friend in crisis is an emergency kit. Always keep it stacked with all the necessary items that would help you come out of the difficult situations.Image via Flick User State Farm

Your car emergency kit should contain the following:

First Aid Kit
Must have of all is the first aid kit. Pack your first aid kit with all the essentials like latex gloves, anti-bacterial ointment, adhesive bandages- small and large, non-adhesive bandages, gauze, iodine, aspirin and medical tape.

Water bottles
Water-the elixir of life, is the most important item you should keep in your car. Never travel without it.

Basic tools
Keep emergency hammer like window breaker, seat belt cutter and fluorescent orange for signaling. Lug wrench, box cutter, screwdriver, are the basic tools that always need to be kept in the car. The kit should include jumper cables, a tire gauge, a fuel/fluid siphon and a couple of reflective triangles and flat road flares.

USB mobile device charger
The only connection between you and your family is a phone in crisis. A phone with a dead battery is useless. To avert such a situation, always keep a mobile device charger in your car.

Flashlight
Any emergency kit is incomplete without flashlights. In emergencies after dusk, if you are not able to search the things needed, then the entire stacking is pointless. Keep one flashlight with a strong beam. You can keep LED flashlights. They are cheap– two are enough. Always keep flashlight batteries in a jar outside the flashlight.

Road maps
With smart phones in almost every pocket, road maps seem obsolete. However, what if you are stuck at a place outside the range of your GPS signal or the phone battery is dead. The GPS may also not help. At such places, only a road map or an atlas can help.

Spare Tire
Carry a tire in a good condition assorted with a tire jack and tire iron. But, just keeping a tire is not sufficient. You must know how to change the tire as well.

Jumper cables
Jumper cables are perfect to deal with a sudden breakdown of batteries. It will not provide a full charge but would be enough to get back home or a service station nearby.

Remember, if the battery is in a bad shape, visit a mechanic or auto parts store with a certified battery charger. You can also exercise the option of mobile car battery replacement which is available everywhere these days, whether you are in Melbourne, Johannesburg or Colorado. They repair and replace your alternator or starter motor. By keeping jumper cables, you can assist a stranded fellow as well.

Roadside flares
If you are a victim of tire blowout stranded in the darkness or in low visibility conditions. Convey your distress to the passing vehicles by lighting roadside flares around the perimeter of the car or set-up reflective triangles.

Lighter or matches
It is wise to keep a pack of matches or a simple lighter in the emergency kit. With these, you can light a campfire or heat food or water or drive away the animals.

Food
Keep a good supply of healthy snacks like nuts, muesli bars, dried fruits, wrapped energy bars in the car. These are useful even if you are not facing any crisis.

Extra clothes
Keep spare clothes in the car. You might need them in sudden weather changes like rain or snow to layer up. Like clothes, keep extra blankets. They are the best means to keep you warm when the temperatures fall.

Pack your car emergency kit with all the above and have a safe drive!

Author’s Bio:
Samuel Joyce is an automobile expert with keen interest in car safety. Safety while driving on the road is important and wheels, car battery and other parts also form an integral part of it. He has also given reviews for cheap car batteries Melbourne  that have helped many to make the best choice when buying a car battery.

This year, resqme, Inc. is offering a Holiday Gift Guide to make your shopping experience just a little bit easier. We encourage practical presents that are handy all year long. Below are a few items to consider for your loved ones that would be great additions to any Car Emergency Kit. The gift of peace of mind is priceless.

Happy Holidays and Merry Gifting!

National Preparedness Month 2013: PREPAREDNESS ON A BUDGET

It Doesn’t Cost a lot to be Prepared

It is no secret that many families and individuals are looking to cut back on spending. But with the frequency of disasters, both natural and manmade, can you afford not to be prepared? Preparedness doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg.

September is National Preparedness Month, and we are asking you to help your family and friends prepare for whatever may come. Here are a few tips on how you can protect those that matter to you without spending a fortune.

• Make a Plan. Work with you family and neighbors to make an emergency plan for the types of disasters that affect your area. Make sure everyone in your family understands where to go and what to do in case of an emergency. You can download Family Emergency Plan templates Ready.gov/make-a-plan.
• Update Contact Information. Having accurate records for family, friends and neighbors will help you stay in contact and possibly help those in need. Make sure updated contact information is posted in visible places throughout your house and workplace. Family Emergency Plan
• Check Your Policy. Review your insurance policy annually and make any necessary changes- and renters, do the same too! When a disaster strikes, you want to know that your coverage will get you back on your feet.
• Make a Ready List. You may not need all of the items in ready-made preparedness kits. Choose the essentials that fit your needs and budget. Don’t forget to keep supplies at work and in your car. Sample Ready Lists can be found at Ready.gov/build-a-kit.
• Plan Your Purchases. You can save money by thinking ahead. Don’t buy preparedness items just before a storm when they’re expensive and supplies will be in high demand. Buy items at the end of the season when you can get good deals.
• Shop Sales. Shop at sales and used goods stores. Buy preparedness items throughout the year, instead of all at once, and you won’t notice the cost as much.
• Make Sure it Keeps. Store water in safe, containers. You don’t need to buy expensive bottled water, just make sure your water containers are disinfected and airtight
• Request a Gift. We all get things we don’t need. Suggest preparedness supplies as gifts from your friends and family. It just might save your life.
• Trade a Night Out. Trade one night out to fund your 72-hour kit. Taking a family of four to the movies can cost upwards of $80. Just one night staying in could fund your Ready kit.
• Start now! Take small steps toward preparedness and before you know it, you will be Ready!

For more information, check out:
Emergency Financial First Aid Kit

Follow us: @Readygov
Email us: ready@fema.gov or citizencorps@dhs.gov
Order publications: call 1-800-BE-READY, 1-888-SE-LISTO, and TTY 1-800-462-7585
Monthly Preparedness text messages: Text PREPARE to 43362 (4FEMA) to receive monthly preparedness tips. (msg/data rates apply)

Via: Ready.gov/Fema.gov