Truckers should “stay prepared.”
That’s the big takeaway from the huge winter storm that afflicted the southeastern USA yesterday and today.
When travel on some roads is at a full standstill, there’s no place to
- go get a bite to eat or
- use the restroom.
If for no other reason, we recommend that OTR truckers have provisions packed in their trucks for times like these.
Among the provisions that appeared on our packing list when we drove coast-to-coast or regionally were:
- a means to keep cold food cold (we eventually opted for an ice chest); and
- a portable toilet.
Of course, having a stash of foods in one’s truck and a device in which to cook them is also recommended.
We always packed gallons of fresh water with us for drinking, cooking and cleaning.
We wonder if any truckers stranded in the late January storm idled for warmth.
In the face of impending bad weather, we recommend making sure that all fuel tanks are filled ahead of time.
There are other items in a suggested emergency kit and first aid kit that may come in handy if you’re stranded.
You never know when some travel conditions will turn so bad that you can’t move for a while.
It is best to stay prepared — just in case.
Note: This article — which was originally written and published on January 29, 2014, by Vicki Simons — was updated slightly in 2018.
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