How to Put Together a Car Emergency Kit
Planning ahead is essential to surviving being stranded on the road or an unforeseen health crisis while traveling. Take a little time now and be ready for any eventuality. Having an emergency kit, in a very real sense, could mean the difference between life and death. What do you need?
Be sure to start your journey prepared!
Follow these simple steps and start putting together your kit today.
The type of emergency kit you assemble will depend on your region of the country and what kind of driving you do. The following items belong in any car care kit. Put them together in a toolbox or plastic container and store it in the trunk of your car or under the seat.
• First Aid Kit
You can purchase a pre-assembled kit at the drugstore or put one together yourself. A good kit includes bandages, gauze, aspirin, moist wipes, eyewash, antibiotic ointment, and burn cream. Some kits also add splints, scissors, and medical adhesive tape. A pre-assembled kit should run from under $10 for a basic kit to around $35 for a deluxe kit.
• Duct Tape
Useful in all kinds of situations, duct tape can mend a broken hose, act as a missing gas cap, fix a broken windshield wiper, and hold glass together. In many situations, it can help you get to a service station and avoid being stranded on the highway.
• A Brightly Colored Cloth
Some new cars come with a yellow or orange caution sign to alert the highway patrol that you need help when you are stranded on the road. If your car doesn’t have one, a bandana or brightly colored scarf will do the trick. Just tie it to the radio antenna or somewhere else that’s easily visible.
• Cell Phone
In this day of inexpensive, prepaid cellular phones, there’s no excuse for traveling without one. There’s no charge for calling “911” from a cell phone, and it could save your life. Some phone companies sell emergency phones without a calling plan that are just set to access “911.”
• Tools
A screwdriver, wrench, pliers, and socket wrenches are useful for simple engine repairs.
• Blankets
Even the most temperate climates can get chilly if you’re stranded in your car at night. In addition, blankets will keep you warm if you’re stuck out in the rain.
• Flashlight and batteries
Make sure that the batteries are charged and that you keep extra batteries in a waterproof container.
• Water
Carry sufficient bottled water for consumption should you get stuck on the road. Water is also useful for overheated radiators and batteries with a low fluid level.
For Winter:
Those who live in a climate where the temperature regularly dips below freezing need to take extra precautions. Wind chills can freeze body parts in just a few minutes. Some companies, such as AAA, sell pre-packaged winter emergency car kits for around $50. Northern drivers should make sure they have the following in their emergency kits:
• Warm Clothing
Keep all areas of your body covered in the winter, especially if you must leave your car. (Law enforcement agencies, however, recommends that you stay inside your car during winter storms until help arrives.) Store extra mittens or gloves, hats, scarves, and sweaters in the car for an emergency. Store them in plastic bags to keep any moisture out.
• Shovel
It’s often possible to shovel your car out if you get stuck lightly in a snowdrift. For major drifts, wait for a plow to avoid expending all your energy and warmth.
The best emergency kit is the one you assemble and never use. Be prepared, however, for any unforeseen event. It will give you peace of mind and it could keep you and the people you love safe and secure in case of an emergency.