Things to Have Handy in Case of Emergency

I heard something on the news about the importance of carrying an emergency kit in your car. What items should be in the kit?

You’re driving late at night on a deserted highway during the winter months. You hear a popping noise, and the car becomes difficult to control. After pulling over on the side of the road, you discover you have a flat tire. Fortunately, you have a cell phone with you to call for help. However, on a deserted highway in a remote location, there is a good chance your cell phone might not get reception. Moreover, even if you do successfully call for help, it could be hours before someone can get to you, especially in inclement weather. In these types of emergency situations, preparation is key. If you are ever stranded or in a car accident, you want to make sure that you have everything on hand that you need to stay safe and survive. We’ll give you some tips on how to make an emergency car kit for your vehicle in what follows.

Roadside Emergency Kit

If you are traveling a long distance or in poor weather conditions, having certain items handy in your vehicle can mean the difference between getting stuck for hours and getting safely back on the road. Every vehicle should carry a roadside emergency kit, but very few drivers do. Remember that, although cell phones are a valuable safety feature, they are not infallible and are no substitute for a roadside emergency kit. Here are a few items that you should include in your car emergency kit:

• Two quarts of oil
• 12-foot jumper cables
• Roadside flares (about four)
• Antifreeze
• Extra washer fluid
• Disposable camera (for taking pictures in the event of an accident)
• Pen and paper
• Ice scraper
• First-aid kit that includes bandages, adhesive tape, antibacterial cream, gauze, scissors, aspirin, and instant heat and ice compresses
• Sleeping bag or blankets
• In colder weather, an extra set of warm clothes, including snow boots and gloves
• Paper towel roll
• Pocketknife
• Basic tool kit: pliers, flat-head screwdrivers, Phillips-head screwdrivers, vise grips, adjustable wrench, tire pressure gauge, and tire inflator
• Rags
• Duct tape
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Help sign
• Bottled water
• Non-perishable, high-calorie snacks, such as granola bars, canned fruit, raisins, nuts, etc.
• Matches and candles in a waterproof container
• Shovel
• A nylon bag to carry your emergency kit