Greg shares what to include in your vehicle's emergency kit in this episode of Ask The Expert. 800 CHAB radio presents Ask the Expert with Greg Marcyniuk of Heritage Insurance located in Moose Jaw.
Here's a full transcript of the episode.
Rob Carnie: Greg Marcyniuk at Heritage Insurance on 800 CHAB's Ask The Expert today.
Greg, we're a long ways from springtime, and it's another friendly reminder to all motorists to get a winter survival kit in the vehicle, so very important.
Greg Marcyniuk: That's right, Rob. I was out driving the other day. And I drove by, and there was a lady out there on the side of the road. She had a flat.
And fortunately, there was somebody helping her. Otherwise, I would have pulled over. And, you know, she has high heels and nylons. And I looked, she didn't even have really good gloves.
So, I think it's just very important that we all take the time not only to prepare an emergency kit, but also to be very aware of what you have in the emergency kit. Things that you should definitely include is a three meter — like, jumper cables, booster cables.
You should also have some flares in there so that you can set up if it's during the evening. You should always carry a bit of spare oil, some antifreeze, first-aid kit, a blanket, flashlight, extra batteries. A lot of people think they can just use their cell phones. But, you know, when it gets colder, those cell phones die very quickly.
As well, you should have some extra fuses, a flathead or a multiple screwdriver set as well as pliers and vice grips, just a great thing to have. A tire inflator with a tire pressure gauge. The other thing you can get, they've got these kits now that you can actually fix a flat tire and blow them up. And it'll get you to another place.
A pocket knife, ice scraper, as well as warm boots and warm gloves and a toque. So, just makes good sense. Have it there, Rob, so that you are going to be prepared.
Rob: Food, water, candles, and matches can also be lifesavers. Literally, Greg.
Greg: Oh, they certainly can, Rob. Like nonperishable energy bars, and of course, bottled water or something that you can boil water that — mind you, we haven't got any snow, but it's just a good idea to have that there, for sure, just so it'll get you through.
Rob: And even if it's not minus 40, I mean, even if it's minus 5, if you get stranded in traffic — that happens, you can get stranded for 12 hours, 14 hours. So, even if it's only minus 5, if you get stranded where there's an accident, or a snowstorm, it's so important to have these things with you, eh?
Greg: Well, for sure, Rob. And, like, the weather can change in Saskatchewan. Just a great idea to have this in your car.
Rob: You've got the full list online.
Greg: That's correct. nohassleinsurance.ca or come on down and see anybody here at the corner of Fairford and 1st West, and we'd be more than happy to give you the information.
Rob: Also interesting to note: You can actually buy survival kits, right?
Greg: That's right. You can go online. There's a lot of variances of everything that's there. And you can have it there, and you don't ever have to worry about it.
Rob: Greg Marcyniuk, Heritage Insurance. 1-800-CHAB's Ask The Expert.
(Video transcription by Speechpad)