Emergency Kit Essentials for Any Trucker
Driving through Ontario can be rough in the winter, especially if you’re not taking one of the major highways. Heading east from Toronto, it’s not uncommon to drive an hour or so before you see your favourite truck stop.
In case there’s no service centre nearby, you want to be completely prepared if an emergency occurs. We’re not just talking about ending up in a snowbank or at the side of the road with a flat tire. Exhaustion, lack of energy and even improper clothing can all contribute to making life on the road tougher than it already is.
To keep you moving forward this winter, we’ve created a list of the emergency essentials every Hino driver and commercial trucker needs to make a safe and comfortable trip.
Here are your top 10 must-haves in any emergency kit:
Insulated blanket/Sleeping Bag: In frigid temperatures, you should always wear warm clothes and keep a thermal blanket in your cab. Even if your radiator is working fine, technology failures are not uncommon in extreme cold. Plus, if you need to pull over and rest for a few hours, a blanket lets you stay warm and comfortable without having to keep your truck on to stay warm.
Snacks and Water: Always keep at least one gallon of water in your cab for emergencies and bring along high-energy or high-protein snacks that won’t perish, like beef jerky or peanuts. If you get stuck and are forced to wait it out, at least you’ll have food and water to tide you over.
Phone charger/USB Cable: Most trucks have USB charging ports that allow you to connect your phone. Never leave home or work without one. You never know how long you might be stuck and at least if you have a fully-charged phone, you can contact your family and emergency officials to let them know your situation.
Mini Shovel: One of the most common setbacks of trucking across Canada in January is the amount of snow you’ll run into, especially when heading north. It’s always a good idea to store a small shovel, even if it’s hand-held, in your cab for emergencies. If one or more of your tires get stuck, at least you can dig yourself out.
Flashlight: If you’re stranded in the dark and in a rural area, a flashlight will help you assess the situation better. It can also work as a signal should your headlights or taillights be out.
Jumper Cables: HinoWatch grants you 24/7 emergency service, completely free of charge for the first three years of ownership. But, should your warranty be up, or you don’t have the patience to wait, it’s a good idea to keep a pair of jumper cables lying around for emergencies.
Ice Scraper: If you’re sitting parked overnight, or even for a few hours without your heat blasting, you’ll probably get some ice buildup on your truck. Always carry a small ice scraper with you so that your windshield, mirrors, and rear are clear before you drive. Plus, if your tires are stuck, the ice scraper can also work to chip away any buildup near the wheels.
First Aid Kit: Just like your truck has its own emergency kit, a personal first aid kit for yourself should be included at all times. Fill it with everything from bandages to aspirin and keep it up front with you so that it’s easily accessible.
Spare Tire: Winter tires are built tough, but you can never predict what a new drive has in store for you. Always carry at least one extra tire that’s an exact match to what your truck has on. For example, you wouldn’t want to carry around one all-season tire and have three winter tires.
Multi-purpose Knife: Purchase a utility tool and keep it on your keychain or in your pocket. Swiss Army knives are great because they convert to everything from a can opener to an actual blade. They can come in handy for food preparation or other means when you’re stuck for several hours.
Don’t get stuck this winter. Before you hit the road, book a service appointment with Somerville Hino. We’ll check your engine and do a full inspection to make sure your vehicle is ready to hit the open road. Plus, we have plenty of great service specials on now! Call us today at 1-(877) 650-6296 or contact us online to book your appointment.
