I’ve been hearing about the importance of keeping some emergency supplies in my car for a long time. After all, you never know what could happen when you’re out on the road…especially now that summer is here and we seem to be driving kids all over creation to this, that and the other event or camp or family get together, sometimes in the middle of who-knows-where. I have always kept a few basics like jumper cables and a few tools in my trunk, but I was just thinking the other day how important it could be, with scorching weather during the summer and dangerous conditions in the winter, to have a few more things in my car that could help us not just be a little more comfortable should car trouble strand us for a time but that could even keep us alive in case of a more severe emergency.
So, after doing a little researching, I came up with a rather succinct list of items recommended by some rather venerable groups who know much more than I do! Give the following list a look over. I’ll bet you could collect most of these items from around your house, no purchase necessary! Simply stow them in some sort of case or box in your trunk and you’ll have greater peace of mind in case the inevitable happens, because emergencies never happen when it’s convenient or when you are ready for them!
- FIRST AID KIT – Purchase one or put one together yourself. Include items such as bandages, gauze, first aid ointment, burn cream, pain reliever, anti- bacterial wash, an ace bandage, tweezers, and scissors.
- Safety triangle or flares
- Emergency flasher
- Reflective HELP sign
- Fire extinguisher
- Hand-cranked radio and hand-cranked or “dynamo” flashlight (these are really great because they never need batteries and can be recharged just by cranking the handle…they may already be a part of your home storage. If not, they should be!)
- Bottles of drinking water
- Some non-perishable food items are essential (think crackers or cookies, maybe some fruit snacks)
- Wet wipes
- Roll of paper towels or a towel
- Small bottle of hand sanitizer
- Jumper cables
- Car jack
- Basic set of tools
- Foam tire inflator (good in a pinch!)
- Duct tape
- Heavy work gloves
- Change of shoes (this, from someone who perpetually wears 4”heels that I do not feel like ruining should I have to change a tire or walk 3 miles along the highway!)
- Quart of oil
- IN THE WINTER, add a portable shovel, an emergency blanket, hand warmers, some candles and matches (AND something to put them in, like can so you don’t set your car on fire!), a traction mat, an ice scraper, and a bag of sand or cat litter to get you out of slippery situations. Remember, your car’s floor mats can be used for traction as well!
Do not carry extra gasoline… the risk completely outweighs the benefit!
Additionally, make checking these few things a part of your regular driving routine:
- Don’t let your GAS gauge dip below ½ tank.
- Keep the SPARE TIRE properly inflated in case of a flat.
- Keep your CELL PHONE charged at all times. As a pilot of small planes, a cell phone is one of the most important things I carry with me (regardless of what commercial airlines will tell you!) because, should my electronic systems go out, I at least have the potential of being able to contact air traffic control. The same goes for a car. If your car’s systems go out, you need to be able to have a way to get a hold of someone.
- Always let someone know your PLANS. If something bad happens, they will know your most likely route.
- Your safest bet to avoiding a breakdown is to keep your car in good condition. Have TUNE-UPS regularly. Don’t let them go overdue…like I tend to do. Being “too busy” is going to be a poor excuse when someone has to come rescue you!
If you like to add extra items, there are lots of suggestions out there. A few sites that might be helpful are:
http://cars.about.com/od/adviceforowners/a/ag_winterkit.htm
If you prefer to just buy a kit already assembled, you can find them at sites like these, among a myriad of others:
http://www.lifeprepared.com/car-kits.html
http://www.survival-supply.com/emergency-kits-c-95.html
Great article. Keep on sharing