Zoo Wake-Up Call
I was driving along the interstate with my 3 kids, pregnant with my fourth, and the 2 children of a friend. We had just spent the day at the zoo and we were all exhausted. I could hear 3 of the 5 kids drift off to sleep while the 2 older girls talked softly. I had the radio on, and it was a gorgeous day with the sun warm, but not hot. The thought suddenly struck me, “What would I do if the Big One hit now?” What if I was pregnant with 5 kids, alone and a major earthquake hit?” We were a fairly good distance from home and the thought of walking with all those kids and the meager supplies I had in my car was overwhelming. I decided then that I needed to keep a fairly well-stocked kit in my car. And I am not just talking about jumper cables-I am talking about water, food, blankets, flashlights, and a first aid kit.
I can’t tell you how many times I have used my car kit. Parched kids after soccer practice have greedily scavenged for water bottles, cold kids in the winter have searched for a blanket and even some hand warmers. I have used my first aid kit too many times to count. As a stay-at-home mom, I often don’t stay home. I am in my car shuttling kids to soccer and Girl Scouts, picking up kids for a carpool, running to the grocery store, running to get a costume for a school project, or heading out to take care of some project for work. It is probably just as likely that I would be in my car when a disaster hit than that I would be in my home.
I keep a duffle bag in the back of my car stocked with bottled water, snacks for my kids, blankets, Shake ready flashlights, a fully stocked first aid kit, and distractions for my kids like card games, bubbles, and a travel game. This is a kit you could use whether you are stuck in traffic, involved in a car accident, or just going about your everyday routine. By taking a few minutes to put some basic supplies in your car, you can rest assured that you have essential items when the time comes.
