If you find yourself stranded on the side of the road, it is important that you don’t panic. Instead, you should think of a strategy that can keep you out of harm’s way until help arrives. Let’s take a look at some of the tactics that you can use to get home in a safe and timely manner.

1. Prepare Ahead of Time

Perhaps the easiest way to get home safely after being stranded is to prepare for an emergency situation before it happens. You should create an emergency kit that contains warm clothes, water, and non-perishable foods that contain protein. It is also a good idea to have a flashlight and tools that can be used to jump a dead battery or change a flat or damaged tire. Before going on a road trip, make sure to stock your vehicle properly, just in case the unthinkable should happen.

2. Call for Help

Ideally, you should always have a cellphone with you when you travel so that you can call a friend or family member for help in an emergency situation. In some cases, towing companies will transport both you and your vehicle to a service center or other designated location. Once there, it may be possible to have your vehicle inspected and fixed in a matter of minutes or hours.

3. Make Yourself as Visible as Possible

There are many different ways to alert other drivers or pedestrians that you are in distress. For example, tying a white cloth to a car window or side mirror is a universal symbol that the driver needs help. You can also alert others to your predicament by turning on the vehicle’s flashers or by placing flares around your vehicle. These are just a few simple ways to make yourself visible when stuck along the side of the road. There are also such things as road flares and flashing lights that come in the vehicle road kits that can be of great assistance, should an emergency occur. These can help you make a spectacle out of yourself even more, which will only help your situation.

4. What to Do if You’re Stranded for a Long Period of Time

If you’re stranded in a remote location, it may not be possible to call for help right away. In some cases, weather conditions may prohibit a rescue party from reaching your location for several hours or days. In such a scenario, try to find a nearby lake or stream as it may provide you with a source of food and water that is safe to consume. Assuming it runs, letting your vehicle idle for a few minutes every few hours can help you stay warm.

While being stuck on the side of the road can be a stressful situation, being prepared can help you get home quickly and safely. Proper vehicle maintenance and driving on main roads may reduce your risk of being stranded for a long period of time.