As we’ve mentioned previously, emergencies can happen both on or off the road. The last thing you want is to be stranded without any tools to get you back on your scheduled route, especially in the dark.

Whether you have a flat tire, engine problems, or you’re stuck waiting out a storm, having an emergency supply kit in your car will help you be prepared during a potentially stressful situation.

You’ll want to ensure you have a first aid kit on hand that includes bandages, antibiotic ointment, a blanket, thermometer, gauze and tape. Try to keep nonperishable food in your car throughout the year in case you are stranded for a period of time without emergency assistance. It’s best to keep dried fruits and nuts in your car, but, if you do decide to keep canned items in your trunk then you’ll want to be sure you have a manual can opener on hand.

If you’re familiar with our products, then you’ll know our Cyalume flare sticks come with a metal bipod stand to help keep them in place on the side of the road. You’ll want to mark your surroundings with some type of flare so that your vehicle is more visible, and Cyalume products are a safe and hassle-free way to do this.

The last few items you’ll want to keep in your car are jumper cables, a tool kit, a car charger for your cell phone and emergency phone numbers in case your phone battery dies.

It’s always a good idea to be prepared in advance for any event and keeping an emergency supply kit in your car throughout the year is one of the best ways to help protect yourself should you need to.

2018 has seen its fair share of fires. Unfortunately, many fires do start in the home and can potentially be deadly for you or your family. It’s important that your entire household knows what to do in the event of a personal home fire so that everyone can safely remove themselves from the house as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Here are 5 ways you can prepare your family for a house fire:

1. Check Smoke Alarms Regularly: Test your smoke alarm batteries on a monthly basis and replace them each year. You’ll also want to install smoke alarms in every bedroom as well as bedroom hallways. Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years to ensure you’re keeping everyone living in your home safe.

2. Create Escape Route Plans: Ensure your family, especially children, are aware of your escape routes from each room and where they should go once out of the house. If your home is higher than one story, you’ll want to keep a fire escape ladder close.

3. Coordinate Communication: Discuss a communication plan so all household members know who to contact if your family members cannot find one another. Speak with a friend or neighbor and ask if they can be an emergency contact point for your family members in the event of an emergency.

4. Have Practice Drills: Have yearly drills to ensure your family can practice your escape route in real-time.

5. Locate Home Fire Extinguisher: Confirm each family members knows where your home fire extinguisher is as well as how to use it in the event of a fire. You can learn more about the right way to use a fire extinguisher here. If you’re dealing with a fire that is taller than you are, you should get everyone out of the house as quickly as possible.

Flooding, like many natural disasters, can happen at a moment’s notice. Flooding is the result of an overflow of water that covers land that is normally dry. Floods can stem from storm surges, rain, snow, dam overflows and more.

You may be surprised to find out that floods are the most common disasters in the United States, which is why it’s important to research your area as well as prepare in advance if you live in a food zone. Here are 4 ways you can better prepare yourself and your family in the event of a flood.

1. Know Your Flood Risks: The easiest way to prepare for a flood is to understand the flood risks near and around your area. Your risk can range from low to moderate to high. If you’re unsure of your flood risk, you can visit FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center.

2. Have a Transportation Plan: Floods can cause a lot of damage to your home and neighborhood. Not only can they create water damage, but they can also cause hazardous transportation issues. If you do find yourself needing to drive through a flood, do your best to drive in the middle of the road as that is where the water is most shallow. Continue to watch your speed while driving in water as you don’t want to lose control of your vehicle, and don’t drive through water more than 25 centimeters deep. If possible, keep information about evacuation routes near and practice them regularly.

3. Sign Up for Your Community Warning System: Another way to prepare in advance for a flood is to sign up for a warning system. The Emergency Alert System as well as NOAA Weather Radio can provide you with real-time emergency alerts.

4. Keep Documents Sealed: If you must flee your area, remember to place all of your important documents (licenses, passports, birth certificates, social security cards) in a sealed, waterproof bag or container.

Remember to be aware of your surroundings at all times. We won’t always know when disaster will strike near us, but being prepared will ensure you’re one step ahead of these events.

At Cyalume, we’ve been creating lighting solutions for the military and various government agencies for the last 40 years. In doing so, we have created the best light sticks on the market.

Learn how you can best utilize our products below:

Mark Your Location | It’s best to be prepared for any situation, especially the unexpected. Using a light stick to mark your location can be crucial during rescue attempts. Activate a light stick and place it in an open area on the ground or, if you’re in water, place one in a bottle so that it stays afloat near you. To ensure you’re always in reach of our light sticks, keep a few stored in your home, car, or outdoor gear so you’re ready in any event.

Take Them Fishing | You may have heard that fish are attracted to light. Next time you’re fishing, try attaching a light stick to your line to increase their activity.

Outdoor Activities | If you’re going on a hiking trip or any other outdoor activity, it’s a good idea to have light sticks ready on hand. At sundown, activate the light stick(s) for everyone in the group. You’ll be able to follow and keep track of your group members without an issue.

Mark Hazards | Not only can our light sticks be used for better visibility, they also work very well as hazard markers. If you are hiking on a trail and happen upon a hazard, activate a light stick and mark the spot so you’ll remember to avoid it on your way back as well as help warn anyone else who may be behind you.

Whether you’re preparing for a disaster or just getting supplies ready for a weekend adventure, we’re here to keep you alight every step of the way.