No matter how many precautions you take to maximize fleet uptime (for example, by implementing a predictive maintenance system), freak weather events, unexpected vehicle component failure or human error can result in a vehicle breakdown. Every truck should have a well-equipped truck emergency kit containing a wide range of supplies to make sure drivers have the best chance of staying safe, warm and hydrated, even in remote regions.
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Emergency situations can include:
- Floods
- Hurricanes
- Falling objects
- Wildfires or blizzards
- Collisions
- Extreme traffic delay
- Tunnel or bridge failure
- Tornadoes
It is impossible to predict the exact type of emergency your drivers might face, so it is best to prepare for a variety of situations. The more items you can fit into your truck emergency kit, the better, but here are ten essentials to get you started:
1. Food and water
The amount of food and water you should pack depends on how far your driver will be from home. Long-haul truck drivers, or those travelling across remote locations, should pack at least a few days&#; worth of non-perishable food and several gallons of water stored in bottles that will not burst if frozen.
Long-haul drivers can also consider meal preparation products and mess kits. Those driving shorter distances, such as slip seat or day cab drivers, can pack less, but high-calorie, long-lasting options like packaged protein bars, nuts and dried fruit are highly recommended in all kits.
Water bottles should also be changed every six months at least.
2. First aid kit and extra PPE
A first aid kit containing medical supplies and a first aid manual is essential in case of injury. You should also consider stocking up on pain relievers, bandages and wet wipes, plus a sufficient supply of up-to-date prescription medication, especially on long-haul journeys when it might be difficult to refill. Be sure to keep all medical emergency contact forms up-to-date and on-hand, and make sure someone else has this information, too.
It is also a good idea to store extra PPE such as masks, gloves and eye protection, as well as hard-surface disinfectants and hand sanitizer. For more ideas on the types of supplies transportation workers should stock up on to stay safe during the pandemic, check out this article.
3. Warm clothing and eyewear
If your vehicle breaks down in the winter it can be dangerous to sit in the cold with no heating. Make sure your kit contains thermal blankets and extra layers of warm clothing, including warm socks, a winter hat and waterproof gloves, plus laundry supplies if on a long-haul journey. Consider purchasing a sub-zero sleeping bag and pillow in case you are unable to find a warm place to sleep.
If you wear prescription glasses or contact lenses, keep spare pairs in your emergency kit in case they get damaged and it is dangerous or illegal for you to drive without vision correction. Extra sunglasses are also recommended for glare.
4. Basic tool kit
Keep a basic tool kit on hand containing items such as:
- Pliers
- Screwdrivers
- Box knife and/or Swiss army knife
- Wrenches
- Duct tape
- Spare bulbs for headlights and marker lights
- Extra fuses
- Jumper cables
- Tow strap
5. Flashlight and strobe lights
Keep a flashlight on-hand plus a sufficient supply of batteries. Check regularly to make sure the batteries have not expired. You can also consider a wind-up flashlight, emergency flares (usually required by national regulations), candles and matches.
You should also have an emergency supply of LED strobe warning lights.
6. Windshield de-icer and scraper
Ice and snow can collect on your windshield and obstruct your visibility. It can also fall off while driving and hit another car, potentially causing a collision. Always keep a windshield de-icer and a scraper in your kit, plus a shovel, if you might encounter bad winter weather.
For more ways to improve vehicle safety in the winter, take a look at our blog post: 7 ways to winterize your vehicle.
7. Portable cell charger
Always make sure your cell is charged before setting off on a journey, and if you will be gone for longer than a few hours consider investing in a portable cell charger. Also keep a paper list of contacts in your kit in case your loses power or is damaged and you need to reach someone.
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See also: Distracted driving facts and solutions
Conclusion
These are just a few examples of the many items you can include in your truck emergency kit. Some regulators, like FMCSA, also require every truck to be outfitted with certain emergency supplies, so be sure to check your regional legislation.
Safe driving!
Small town fire departments have to face several unique challenges to keep their communities and families safe. Rural fire stations often have to make do with limited resources, older equipment, and smaller teams that may not be able to effectively respond to every need. Combine these common issues with geographical factors &#; such as a lack of water sources or long distances between crucial cities &#; and it quickly becomes apparent that rural firefighters deserve more assistance.
One of the most important parts of managing structural fires and wildfires is having all the right equipment at a moment&#;s notice. Each firefighter and fire apparatus should be equipped with the materials best suited for their community&#;s needs, but finding the funds for this can be difficult.
To make the most of your current resources, here&#;s a list of equipment that should be included in every rural fire department&#;s inventory.
First Aid Supplies
When a small town fire station receives a call, they don&#;t know if they&#;ll be heading to a wildfire, a house fire, a car accident, or another emergency entirely. To be prepared for the greatest number of scenarios, rural fire departments should keep their first aid bags fully stocked with potentially lifesaving equipment.
In many smaller communities, firefighters often have to take on the role of an EMT. An emergency medical bag should be included on every rig and filled with bandages and dressings, gloves, sanitizing wipes, a seat belt cutter, shears, and airway management tools. Some fire departments may also want to invest in disaster control kits, which include lights and traffic signals for directing vehicles away from dangerous scenes, or trauma kits that can help address more severe injuries like gunshot or knife wounds.
Type 3 Truck
There are 7 different types of fire engines. Type 1 and Type 2 vehicles are the largest fire engines, typically used to quell structural fires in urban areas. They require at least 3 to 4 personnel, are equipped with ladders, and carry supplies like first aid kits, chainsaws, axes, fire hoses, nozzles, and much more.
Type 3 trucks, on the other hand, are better suited for rural settings. Type 3 engines are lighter and easier to maneuver over uneven terrain while still being able to carry up to 1,500 gallons of water. The QTAC Super 3 is one of the best options due to its versatility and durability. &#;If you need to change the truck to a Type 6 due to contract requirements, all that's needed is a tank capacity restrictor,&#; explains QTAC President, Jason Black. &#;Now you have a Type 6.&#;
Turnout Gear
Turnout gear refers to everything a firefighter wears and carries with them while they&#;re at a working fire. Most importantly, all firefighter gear must meet National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) guidelines, including:
- Fire-resistant jackets and trousers
- Thick gloves for structural fires, wildfires, and rescue operations
- Puncture-resistant protective boots
- A helmet to protect from falling debris
- A self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) to prevent firefighters from inhaling smoke or toxic fumes
The tools a firefighter carries with them can vary based on the individual&#;s preferences and the department&#;s needs. However, some of the most common equipment included in rural firefighters&#; turnout gear includes:
- An emergency knife
- Wire cutters
- Door wedges or chocks
- Safety glasses
- A flashlight or helmet-mounted light
- A waterproof notebook and pen
Quint Fire Apparatus
As the name suggests, a quint apparatus has 5 key tools: a fire pump, water tank, hose bed, ground ladder, and aerial ladder. Quints are great for smaller fire stations because they&#;re capable of multitasking without requiring additional firefighters to operate.
The NFPA requires quints to have a ladder or elevating platform, a 300-gallon water tank, and at least 40 cubic feet of enclosed storage space. Quints should also have a fire pump with a minimum capacity of 1,000 gallons per minute so that firefighting teams will have a reliable water source.
Hard Suction Hose
Hard suction hoses are used to vacuum up water from unpressurized sources, like lakes, creeks, or ponds. Rural fire departments often rely on these local water features to successfully put out fires, so a hard suction hose is critical. At least 20 feet of hard suction hose should be included on a rural rig to ensure the fastest possible response time.
Lighting
According to a report from the NFPA, about 29% of fire ground injuries are caused by slips, trips, falls, or contact with objects. A simple way to avoid these injuries is to ensure that there&#;s plenty of adequate lighting. This is especially important in small towns that may not have many other sources of light. Some fire departments may also want to invest in a generator to make sure things don&#;t go dark unexpectedly.
Generally speaking, LED lights are a great option for rural firefighters. LED lights can turn on within a fraction of a second and are more rugged and durable than traditional light bulbs. They&#;re also more affordable, come in an endless array of colors and sizes, and can be adjusted specifically for different use cases.
UTV Skids
If you&#;re in a farming community or any sparsely populated town, a UTV or other wildland vehicle can help firefighters quickly access off-road locations. Vehicles equipped with 4-wheel drive can be real lifesavers when a traditional fire rig can&#;t get through rough terrain in a timely manner.
A UTV skid can offer the right amount of support for a small fire department or individual use. The QTAC 85S is one of the most popular models, offering excellent functionalities, a lightweight base, and an affordable price. It features an 85-gallon water tank, 50 feet of ¾&#; hose, and hard suction capabilities to draw from static water sources.
Final Thoughts
We know that every small town is unique, and QTAC is here to help you best meet your community&#;s needs. Whether you&#;re a volunteer at your local fire station, a farmer concerned about wildfires, or a veteran firefighter, our mission is to keep you safe with equipment you can always depend on. Check out our full product line here or feel free to contact us for more information!
The company is the world’s best Municipal Emergency Truck supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.
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