Many highways in the Southeast are very busy and it might feel as if you are always close to a populated area. Getting an emergency pack together with safety gear for a long drive doesn’t take long but can save you hours of uncomfortable waiting time if you break down in a lonely or remote area.
The Southeast Regional Climate for Motorists
The South Eastern states have some of the least extreme climates in the U.S. From Virginia to Florida and west to Louisiana and Tennessee, summers are usually hot and humid, with the possibility of the odd hurricane or tropical storm. Tornados are sometimes frequent in the fall in some parts of this region.
If you are driving in Oklahoma, Kansas and Arkansas you need to be aware of extreme conditions in the tornado season.
Winters are colder, especially inland and in the Appalachians or Ozarks. Snow can be heavy at times, but generally not as severe as further north. Florida has probably the most equable climate in the country, which makes it a very popular place in winter!
Safety Gear You Should Have in Your Car
Don’t be too complacent if you are driving anywhere in the South Eastern states. It might never experience the same freezing cold as the North, but it can be very hot and humid and you could break down miles from the nearest service station.
You would be kicking yourself if you forgot to stash an emergency kit with safety gear in it just in case you did break down in the worst possible place.
Every motorist should have the following:
- spare 2 gallon gas canister;
- cell phone charged before you set out and 12V auto charger;
- set of 3 reflective triangles to place in front and rear of your car to alert other motorists;
- jumper cables;
- spare tire and jack for changing it; tire pressure valve and foot pump; can of emergency sealant (usually only seals once);
- spare oil, automatic transmission fluid and brake fluid;
- basic tool kit with wrenches, spanners, screwdrivers, pliers;
Seasonal Emergency Gear
Summer can be extremely hot. Make sure you pack the following:
- drinking water, enough for 8 hours;
- wet weather protection;
If traveling in winter or in an area that gets regular snowfall, your kit should also contain:
- snow shovel if heading into the Appalachians or any other mountain area;
- a bag of cat litter which can be used to place under tires for better grip;
- windscreen ice scraper;
- cable and winch for pulling car out of a flooded stretch of highway;
- warm clothing and footwear;
- adequate blankets or sleeping bags to keep you warm if the gas tank runs dry or you can’t start your engine to run your heater;
- non-perishable high calorie food.
The Southeast Can Have Dangerous Weather Conditions. Be Prepared!
The Southeast is one of the mildest regions of the country, but weather can occasionally be vicious. Summer rain, thunderstorms and floods can play havoc with the roads.
Keep an eye on the weather forecast before a long drive and make sure you have your safety gear emergency pack stashed in the trunk in case you need it.
