Unless you are a hobbyist owning an old car that's not driven regularly, no one should have the need to carry jumper cables or a jump box regularly. Connecting the cables incorrectly through inattention or simple ignorance can fry a car's electrical system and lead to very expensive repairs.

If your car doesn't start, get it started once and then drive it to a mechanic's shop or a battery store.

" People who live in town can become blase about risks. "

A search discloses that 80% of Americans live in urban areas. Perhaps it's being blasé but I don't think most urban dwellers have much sympathy about or interest in the shortcomings and sacrifices people who live in the boondocks presumably make conscious choices about accepting. Choices most people seemingly prefer to decide differently. .

" It is difficult to imagine the sorts of things that can happen in a major event. Pacific Palisades? "

That was a wild fire in an area of known fire risk that was driven by hurricane force winds. Most serious fires in SoCal have the Santa Ana wind component exacerbating circumstances. When the evac order was given, the drill was to hop into your car and leave. If your car didn't start (a highly unlikely possiblity anyway), neighbors would certainly lend a hand.

I fail to see the relevance of having a cupboard full of bandages or a garage full of charging devices in such circumstances.

“Don’t tell me worrying doesn’t help. Most of the things I worry about never happen.” — Anon

" Unless you are a hobbyist owning an old car that's not driven regularly, no one should have the need to carry jumper cables or a jump box regularly. "

Yeah, right, because nothing ever happens to accidentally drain batteries, and no one ever makes the mistake of leaving a battery-draining thing on in the car.

" Connecting the cables incorrectly through inattention or simple ignorance can fry a car's electrical system and lead to very expensive repairs. "

Very true, which is why the new boosters don't allow that to happen. They won't work if they're hooked up incorrectly.

" because nothing ever happens to accidentally drain batteries, and no one ever makes the mistake of leaving a battery-draining thing on in the car. "

I don't consider that a common problem - do you? It's never happened to me, has it happened to you? Once should be enough to learn the lesson. Calling a service for a jump start is a quick remedy.

Modern cars shut down completely following the passage of some minutes after the engine is turned off. It's quite unusual for batteries to drain because lights are left on.

For those who live in fear of anything and everything, no number of precautions will ever seem to be adquate.

“Expect everything, and the unexpected never happens.” — Norton Juster

Elmer, many folks live and drive in conditions that you seem unaware of. It’s the way it is. 🤷‍♀️ What you don’t consider a problem, others do. It’s a big world out there.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/freezing-temperatures-boost-caa-calls-into-the-hundreds-1.2456023

https://globalnews.ca/news/10235104/alberta-cold-snap-roadside-assistance/

“At around 10 a.m. Thursday, the wait time in Edmonton for a tow or winch was 112 hours. Drivers in need of a battery boost in Edmonton were waiting upwards of 96 hours.

In Calgary on Thursday morning, wait times for battery boosts, towing and winching were 96 hours.

Temperatures dipped into -40 C territory last week. While the weather is warming up in the coming days, the AMA said the work isn’t slowing down.

“For AMA, the only change warmer weather brings is fewer layers of clothing for our operators, who’ve been working 10, 12, 14-hour shifts—even when temperatures were below -40 C,” Klassen said.”

I'm quite aware of them.

If I were to live where winter weather was inhospitable (quite a hypothecal, because I never would), I would have my battery tested before the onset of cold temperatures and replace it if necessary. I see that as no different than checking the level of engine oil and the gas tank before starting a long drive. Or going to the store in advance if the household had nothing to prepare for dinner.

Planning ahead for the foreseeable is MUCH different than developing fears and worries about anything and everything, including those things that are MOST unlikely, that COULD happen.

Elmer, you really don’t get it. You definitely have no idea of how things work in other places. 🤷‍♀️

Nobody that I know has developed fears and worries about anything and everything. They’re all just normal people living life and accepting others.

I hope you have more important things to spend time doing today, your comments are really wearisome. Find a big rock or a tree to kick if you need a release.

“I hope you have more important things to spend time doing today, your comments are really wearisome. Find a big rock or a tree to kick if you need a release.”

Well, that was rude, Elmer

Yep, slow day here. You’re always amusing to chat with.

LOL Heat and traffic getting to you?

Om

eta Just sitting outside, enjoying freshly picked carrots.

" I don't consider that a common problem - do you? It's never happened to me, has it happened to you? Once should be enough to learn the lesson. "

It's not common, but it is exceedingly bothersome. That's why I prepare for the possibility - how often it happens (very rarely) is countered by how much it costs me (in time and annoyance).

It has happened to me, and I did learn my lesson - that's why I carry a battery booster in my car. It's also happened to others near me, and I was pleased to be able to help them.

" Modern cars shut down completely following the passage of some minutes after the engine is turned off. It's quite unusual for batteries to drain because lights are left on. "

No, not really.....There are settings that will automatically turn headlights on and off, but some people don't use them for various reasons that matter to them. I've never heard of a system that will turn interior lights off if they've been left on, and some cars have always-on auxiliary power sockets that they may use for charging other items.

" Calling a service for a jump start is a quick remedy. ""

Well, it's quick to make the call, but it can be a long time to get the remedy. A couple of hours, sometimes, depending on where you're at. I'd rather carry a 5 lb booster battery and get my remedy instantly rather than waiting a couple of hours on the side of a road or in a deserted parking lot because a shorted connection caused my 12V battery to drain

" Nobody that I know has developed fears and worries about anything and everything. "

Exactly. Having basic, easy, inexpensive solutions nearby actually removes the worry. I don't begrudge my unused first aid kit or fire extinguisher - in fact, I rarely think about them. And I don't spend my time worrying about a kitchen fire either - I'm more likely to be injured by a fall in the bathroom than by a kitchen fire, LOL.

One thing I never thought of for a first aid kit? A tourniquet. I have a hard-sided kits in both cars. I think I'll buy 2 tourniquets.

(done! I got the one handed operation version, just in case, one is alone in the vehicle)

Tourniquets are a last resort sort of thing. Training tells you that if you use one you consider the limb lost. Better practice is compression on the wound in most cases. So a thick pad of gauze squares with a pressure bandage-hence the athletic bandage which could be used as a tourniquet if necessary.

I dont live in fear. I live prepared. If you have been the help that people are awaiting the arrival of you get to see how much can go wrong for ordinary people living their best lives. I volunteered my time to these organizations because I could be helpful

" Tourniquets are a last resort sort of thing. Training tells you that if you use one you consider the limb lost. "

X 10,000

Only in the case of a partially severed limb or other large wound on a limb causing MASSIVE arterial bleeding uncontrollable by any other means. That without a complete restriction of blood flow, the individual would quickly bleed to death.

A useless item for a first aid kit. It's an example of an item/instance of something one would never have occasion to use and thus have no need to have one on hand. Unless the use of chain saws is a regular event in your household.

Since I saw roadside emwrgency kits mentioned, I just wat to csution that the cheap, thin-wired cables provided in a lot of kits can be next to useless. Depending on the guage they may work for small four cylinder engines but can get dicey after that.

I do like to carry cables. Both for me and for others stranded. A jump takes minutes, roadside assistance can take hours even on major highways in urban areas. As me how I know. Good to have the option, but generally my last resort.

I can see having a battery charger in your car.

A couple years ago DH and I had a dead battery. A young guy came by and said I can help. Got out this avapow, hooked it to our battery and said ok start it. It worked! No jumper cables from his car battery to ours. Just that small unit, attached the clips and we started our car. Definitely worth having in my opinion, and we do have them now.

FOAS, just boring old me here. 🤠 I hope you have better manners and control than others. 😉 when I comment.

Yes, a good option, but a last resort. It’s always good to help others, though.

Do you also carry a full gas can in your car, in case you encounter someone who's run out of gas? Maybe two, one for premium and the other for regular?

Elmer, if you are asking me, the answer is no, I don’t.

Folks who run out of gas are on their own unless somebody else can help them. I would give them a lift though if there was no cell service, or offer to call for them if they didn’t have a phone.

No but I might offer to take them to buy and fill a jug of gas if I’m in a generous mood. Dead batteries can start happening any time after about three years to five years old, without much warning. And again, it’s partly for me. So I can get a jump. Even if I’m just calling a friend or family member.

With two exceptions that I can think of off-hand, in my lifetime anytime I’ve needed on site service it’s been either flat tire, dead battery, or out of gas. Two of the three don’t come with a warning light. It’s not crazy to be prepared for them.

I too consider people who are stranded to be on their own. I wouldn't stop unless a situation were to appear dire - another circumstance to add to the list of something that rarely if ever happens that isn't necessary to prepare for. Like carrying jumper cables. A car in a retail parking lot that won't start isn't a dire situation.

In the interest of always being truthful, I once had an old MGB roadster as a third car. A garbage car from a quality standpoint but fun to drive. It had two six volt batteries (typical British 19th century auto engineering enlightenment, 6 x 2=12 instead of a 12 volt battery that every other car has) and a parasitic draw. Batteries would be dead after a few days of non-driving. Mechanic couldn't find the source, the alternator was fine, buying new batteries didn't solve the problem.

I bought jumper cables to use for power from one of my reliable cars to start the MGB when home, or to use if I drove it to a friend's house for a visit and the power died. When out in public, I tried to go places where I could park the car on a hill - release the parking brake, gather speed rolling downhill, pop the clutch to start. Or, push it to start rolling (easy to do, could do myself when I was feeling energetic) Otherwise, call a service.

Once a car is started, the alternator supplies enough power for it to run and to recharge a battery that's capable of holding a charge.

" Two of the three don’t come with a warning light "

Conscientious car owners are rarely surprised by a warning light telling of something that could have been anticipated in advance or could have been previously acted upon to prevent or get fixed. And all of the three can be addressed by a mobile service.

Elmer, I remember when without being asked, you said you would not name which two bay area TJ’s you shop at, citing privacy concerns. I think everyone remembers when you wouldn’t disclose which STATE you were in when you encountered a tornado warning.

We all have things we’re cautious and proactive about. Some are crazier than others. Being prepared for a dead battery is low on my list of crazy, but since you won’t shut up about it I guess it’s high on yours. We all get it, you can move on.

I agree that a car that won’t start in start in a retail parking lot isn’t a dire situation.

Not all car emergencies occur in parking lots.

Where I live, there are many stretches of road where service stations are hundreds of kms. apart. One often travels through long stretches of no cell service. I would never consider travelling on these roads without a reliable, well serviced vehicle. I am fortunate to have this available to me.

There are people who travel these roads who are not as fortunate, and possibly not as responsible as they should be. Young people driving to work in Ft. McMurray, people with limited income living in small remote communities.

I know my situation, but I don’t know their situation and why they are out on the road.

I’d definitely assist them in any way I could.

Okay, confession….I always travel with duct tape in my suitcase.

food, if you're looking for something to be concerned about, think about why you apparently pay such close attention to comments I may make in informal conversations. What I say is factual, of course, but I hope you won't be offended to hear that most people, and I'm in this group, do not memorize most of the details you mention in similarly informal conversations.

LOL, FOAS! I remember that post about the tornado!

I just thought that Elmer was definitely out of his comfort zone and how worried he sounded. Poor guy!

I did wish him luck, and for whatever reason he was in the mystery state that he was able to get accomplished what he went there for.

My memory isn’t great, some posts just stand out more than others. Sometimes because they’re interesting, sometimes becaise they’re outlandish. Yours aren’t the only posts I remember, and I’m not the only person who brings up old posts. If you have a problem with that then Olychick’s wood burning stove would like to have a word with you. Just one example of your hypocrisy here. I’m sure Rob and Kevin and Eileen and others could chime in as well. But it’s not necessary, we all know.

roxsolid Your duct tape comment cracked me up. As someone who has been around horses, you certainly can imagine what some of us have had in our vehicles. "I can explain officer, that's not what it looks like". LOL

wildchild, I hear you about horses. I remember standing in the produce department of the grocery store and discovering two loose carrots in my pocket that I had brought from home.

The duct tape we now carry in checked luggage. Too many questions when it was in our carryon.

The wood stove matter is one person's hypocrisy to be concerned and outspoken on some environmental issues that don't directly inconvenience or affect her but to give herself a pass on something that she wants to do and ignore the real consequences to others. Including, how burning wood can cause or exacerbate respiratory problems for one's neighbors. That made that rememberable for me.

If you really want to know where in the greater Bay Area there are two Trader Joes locations about 20 minutes apart (and so an equal 10 minute drive for someone located in between the pair), Google Maps can help you.

Duct tape is a great fhing to have in the car! It can fix minor mechanical issues, hold your bumper valence after you crash into the curb, mend ripped clothes, replace a broken bag handle, fix a box or bag or bin, make a bandaid with a tissue, and much much much much more!

Absolutely FOAS!

A jack knife/pocket knife is another great item.

We have lots of rolls of tape — you never know when you might be called upon to help a stranger in distress ;)

Lots of duct tape, painter’s tape, cellophane packing tape, paper tape, ”Scotch” tape, adhesive tape, electrical tape, shrink tape.

I too have an inconvenient memory. I cant help it . It is who I am. I have always paid attention to what I was told. I suppose some would prefer for me to not remember what they said? I always was taught to think of paying attention as a courtesy. Oh Elmer. I dont go out of my way to embarrass though.

To Be prepared and to render assistance when it is possible to do so is not some sort of neurotic anxiety ridden weirdness. It is an act of kindness. It is an act of caring about your compatriots. It is in fact an act of humanity. It is why when I was able I always did what I could for others.

As a point of interest if it is your alternator that is acting up or the belt from your alternator being compromised in some way (ask why I know this) having a perfectly performing battery is not going to help.

I have been rendered aid more than once in my life and I like to reciprocate. It makes me feel better

I appreciate the warnings about tourniquets. Best to avoid.

Interesting that after Great White Shark sightings off Cape Cod beaches and at least one fatality when a shark victim bled to death, tourniquets where available at certain locations along some of the beaches. Last resort to try to save someone from bleeding to death after an extremity chomped off.

Fortunately, not much use made of them.

Where we used to summer in Maine, there were lots of interesting events — small squid all over the shores one year; another years smelts; another summer porgies. For about 6 or 7 (six seven!) years now Great White sharks have been spotted.

" you certainly can imagine what some of us have had in our vehicles. "I can explain officer, that's not what it looks like". LOL "

I worked with a guy who was into LARPing, specifically zombie apocalypse LARPing (Live Action Role Play for those who don't know). He carried a variety of foam and cardboard weapons in the back of his hatchback, and they are clearly visible to anyone walking beside the car. I asked him if he'd ever been stopped by the police and asked about his "weapons" - he said that, fortunately, he had not.

When it comes to a lost limb or lost life, I'll pick the lost limb all day long. Trust me, I already knew what a tourniquet means. If you're willing to bleed to death, live without it. If you want to choose your arm over your life, I guess you look better in your casket? Which one's worse? As you can see I picked the living without a limb possibility ☺️

Absolutely Rob. It is just that movies and TV shows tend to leap to a tourniquet but you should use direct pressure first if you can. It would be obvious when it will not be an option and any help is better than none.

Ask your primary care doc if a tourniquet should be in everyone's first aid kit. I can tell you in advance what you're likely to hear.

For all of you driving around with trunks stuffed with everything under the sun "just in case", here's a simple, inexpensive and very important safety protection many people fail to have:

You should have easily found "In Case of Emergency" information in your wallet. Where, in case of a real emergency should you be unable to respond, a healthcare person or emergency responder will look for information to identify you and to contact the family member or friend you've chosen for this purpose. Also, should you have any serious allergies or medical conditions that responders or ER staff should know, this info too should also be immediately "findable".

Medic Alert or ID bracelets of various types have saved many lives.

I just sold my tourniquet to a drug dealer.

I’m never without a tourniquet in my cars. Tire iron and the shirt off my back!

Yeah, I would never use a tourniquet unless it look like it was spurting blood, from a thigh, for example. I don't plan on ever having to use it. But to have it on hand makes me pretty happy. Just arrived today.

elmer, surprised you don't have one of these? Wallet would be a good backup though. Raven showed us sometime ago.

https://www.amazon.com/medical-alert-usb-flash-drive-bracelet/s?k=medical+alert+usb+flash+drive+bracelet

I have no medical conditions or allergies that a health care provider needs to know or be cognizant of should I be unable to answer questions. I do have an emergency contact card in my wallet. It's in a slot opposite the one where I keep a miniaturized sphygmomanometer.

The first two sentences OF THE PRECEDING PARAGRAPH I WROTE JUST ABOVE THIS PARAGRAPH are true, the last is not.

Edit to add words in caps

Raven didn't show us?

You wrote untrue stuff?

I WAS YANKING YOUR CHAIN!

This comment was a sarcastic fib ———

“a miniaturized sphygmomanometer.”Obviously so. There’s no such thing.