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Heavy storm batters Cape Town: Here's 12 items you'll need in an emergency

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<b>BE PREPARED:</b> A huge storm front is lashing South Africa, causing flooded roads and damage to vehicles. Here's a DIY emergency kit for your car. <i>Image: iStock</i>
<b>BE PREPARED:</b> A huge storm front is lashing South Africa, causing flooded roads and damage to vehicles. Here's a DIY emergency kit for your car. <i>Image: iStock</i>

Cape Town - A huge storm front is battering the Western Cape, causing heavy flooding throughout. The province's Disaster Management is on high alert, shutting down schools on Wednesday (June 7) and attending to many communities affected by adverse weather conditions

Despite poor weather conditions it's not always possible to avoid taking to our roads; whether you're headed off to work or simply need to perform important errands, we often take it for granted that disaster on the road can strike at anytime. 

LIVE: #CapeStorm hits Western Cape

You might run out of fuel or, your cellphone battery could be depleted, leaving you unable to make a much-needed call for help if your car decides it won't start.

Unforeseen problems can leave you stranded along our roads. Be prepared to handle any situation with this handy do-it-yourself emergency car kit, that's always handy to keep in your boot.

A bottle of water is essential to save off dehydration, and toilet paper could never be more of a luxury convenience item when nature calls during an emergency. We’ve listed some essential items you should carry in your vehicle at all times.

WATCH: Cape Town cars caught in heavy storm, winds

You’ll need a few household items that will always serve a purpose in an emergency.

1. A sleeping bag 
2. Flashlight
3. First-aid kit
4. Multipurpose knife
5. Matches
6. Tinned food that won’t spoil or some energy bars
7. An old cellphone, fully charged
8. Toilet tissue (you'll thank us when nature calls)
9. Hand sanitiser
10. A change of clothes (including rain gear)
11. Duct tape
12. Bottled water – which you should change often when not used

Huge storm lashes Cape Town: 13 wet weather driving tips

Make sure you have the following:

- Reflective triangle
-A pint of oil
-A 2-litre bottle of water in case your radiator springs a leak
-Spanners, especially sizes 10-13
-A screwdriver: Learning how to start your car with this tool is vital when your alternator is faulty.
-A tow rope
-Wheel spanner and jack
- A road map: If your car dies, your navigation system will be useless, along with your flat cell phone.

How to pack

Take the sleeping bag and fold it open. Place the clothing flat, next to each other, then place smaller items (matches, flashlight, knife) on top of the clothing. Place the other items next to it and then roll-up the sleeping bag. 

If the sleeping bag is too bulky and takes up too much space, try using a smaller backpack or sling bag you could  place into the well of your spare wheel tyre.

Essential items

These additional items are vital when you’re in for a long wait for a rescue or road assistance to come along, but there are some other essential items to have  in your car when you might have to try and fix your car yourself just to get to the nearest town for help. Perhaps you’re driving an older vehicle and your car is not running at 100%


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