Saturday, May 10, 2014

Installing Safety Equipment

To prepare for any possible event is an interest challenge. Reflecting on what was required of us in Zimbabwe caused me to consider the requirements of other countries and quite simply, what makes sense whether it is a law or not. After doing some research on what other overlanders have installed, our experience in Zimbabwe and South Africa and complimenting it with what seems to make sense to me at the moment, I decided to purposefully address safety needs. I installed or otherwise packed in the truck somewhere the following items:

  • One Badger fire extinguisher rated for trash, wood, paper (A), liquids (B) and electrical equipment (C) in the left rear of the vehicle. It isn't rated for cooking. I'll have to consider that more as we go along.
  • Two Life Hammers used for breaking windows and cutting seat belts. One on the right side of the front console for both people in the front seat, as well as, one in the back for people in the rear of the vehicle.
  • Three seat belt cutters, one in front, two in back.
  • Three weighted base, reflective triangles from AAA in the event of a breakdown stowed in rear cubbies.
  • Also in the rear cubbies are three magnetic strobes from Wagan capable of multiple types of flashing red light patterns including SOS. These things cleverly mount anywhere on the vehicle due to their magnetic personality.
  • One ANSI/ISEA Z308.1-2009 general first aid kit. It isn't huge and definitely doesn't cover all the details necessary for extreme bush first aid/medical needs. However, I'll use it as a baseline implementation.
  • One yellow fluorescent utility vest under the driver seat (in Zimbabwe, these were often kept on the back of seats so the police visibly knew you had them).

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