Build Your Own Disaster and Emergency Vehicle

by Stacey Thompson

Typhoons, earthquakes, floods, and a host of man-made disasters are a regular thing nowadays. Our lack of empathy for the environment, as well as each other, has facilitated an increasingly dangerous world for us.

In many of these situations, there really is no recourse but to evacuate from the affected area. For those who are fortunate enough to have their own home, and have enough space in their garage or yard to accommodate another vehicle, my suggestion is to have an emergency vehicle that is equipped to handle emergencies of various kinds.

This vehicle need not be expensive. A second-hand van or station wagon with the proper accessories and add-ons will more than do. A neighborhood association can pitch in to maintain and add the necessary upgrades to the van; services like American Van Equipment can provide the proper parts and installation at affordable rates.

Top Rack & Ladder

This is probably the most basic, and at the same time, the most useful feature you can add to your emergency vehicle. Top racks will allow the van to carry more cargo, as well as provide reinforcement to the roof in case you really need to stand on it. Along with the ladder, this can facilitate retrieving people from the second floor of a house or building during a flood, for example.

All-Terrain Wheels

Flimsy on-road tires won’t do if you are expecting rough conditions. Having a good set of all-terrain tires (even slightly used ones) will guarantee that your van won’t lose traction when negotiating through particularly difficult patches of road or terrain. During floods, a snowstorm, or in the aftermath of an earthquake, road conditions are unpredictable, and having durable tires with good traction can be a godsend.

Vehicle Air Intake Snorkel

If this accessory is applicable to your vehicle’s make and model, having a vehicle snorkel could help keep your engine running even when the water has risen to abnormal levels. Though the water could still enter through the exhaust and other parts of the engine, the snorkel is still a big help in fording deep flood waters as you make your way to safer high ground.

First Aid and Survival Equipment

Having an emergency vehicle allows you to have more first aid and emergency equipment available and on-hand. Emergency medical supplies and equipment, army rations or MREs, fire axes and other tools, and even an actual stretcher could be stowed in an emergency van. These items will prove invaluable in a disaster or emergency situation, and whatever money invested in outfitting a van with these will be worth its weight in gold when dire circumstances do manifest.

Extra Fuel Can

Fuel is going to be scarce in a disaster area, so having an extra can or two is going to be useful. This will increase the effective travel distance of your emergency vehicle as well, and possibly offer other vehicles in need with enough gas to make it to the next functional gas station.

Be vigilant and prepared, always. Stay safe, everyone!

About the Author

Stacey Thompson is a professional writer, marketer, entrepreneur, and a lover of weird little animals. She is based in San Diego, California, and maintains her group’s blog, Word Baristas.