In current times, even a trip to the store requires responsibility. Not everything that used to be allowed in a car should or can be kept in a vehicle now. The situation is even more complicated with forced evacuation in a personal car – to avoid panic, it’s necessary to plan everything in advance and pack the necessary items.
During wartime, you may map out a route and plan everything (supposedly), but calculating travel time is not possible – unfortunately, 100 km on some sections might be covered in 40 minutes, while 1 km on another part of the road might take as long as 3 hours. To avoid being caught off guard by surprises, we recommend following guidelines on what is essential and what should not be taken with you in the car when setting off on a long (and not only) journey.
What to Take in the Car During Wartime
For Driver and Passengers
- A blanket in case of delays on the road – it’s winter
- A first aid kit with an extended set of supplies (according to the Ministry of Health of Ukraine recommendations)
- Water, 1-3 liters per person
- Phone chargers, including power banks and car socket power adapters
- Flashlight(s) in case of delays or repairs on the road
- Disposable tableware
- Change of clothes
- Snacks (chocolate, snacks)
- Gas burner (in case you are stuck for long)
- Matches/lighters
For the Vehicle
- The maximum fuel reserve in the tank and additional fuel in a canister
- A full spare wheel, preferably two. Road surfaces may be damaged or littered with sharp debris, increasing the likelihood of tire damage
- A small camping shovel – for example, in case the car becomes stuck when bypassing on dirt roads; it can also be used as a weapon for defense against looters.
- If the car is not new, a small reserve of working fluids – antifreeze, oil, brake fluid, is helpful.
- A sturdy towing rope. Strongly recommended to use a truly strong rope. Since if another vehicle is towing you, there’s no guarantee the driver has enough skill and care to prevent tearing a cheap Chinese cord often carried in the trunk as a towing rope.
- A compressor for inflating tires (or at least a pump)
- Jump leads (“crocodiles”)
- A fire extinguisher (it should be there anyway, but a reminder doesn’t hurt)
What NOT to Have in a Car During Martial Law
- Weapons (if you are not military and lack the skills to use them), and if they are unregistered. Possession might place you in the eyes of patrols at checkpoints in the category of enemies, saboteurs, agents, etc.
- A too large knife or a knife with combat features – longer than 8-9 cm, thicker than 2.5 mm, and with a distinctive groove on the blade.
- It’s not good if any military attribute is lying around in the trunk – a cartridge shell (even from a hunting rifle), tactical gloves, military boots, a “military surplus” flask, etc.
- Bags and backpacks in the trunk should not be of military type (so-called tactical) – this might also raise suspicions about your affiliation to any military unit. The same applies to clothing
- Fuel or another flammable liquid in glass or inappropriate containers. In case of abrupt maneuvers, such “packaging” might get damaged, the fuel could spill and lead to a major fire.
- In an emergency and/or evacuation, it’s better to drive as CAREFULLY and CAUTIOUSLY as possible – in case of a tire puncture or other issues, there won’t be a line of helpers, and you could lose a great deal of time. So, this is exactly the case – no rash actions or jerking movements, drive smoothly and gently.