What to Include in a Roadside Emergency Kit

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(Newswire.net — October 5, 2019) — No matter how skilled or safe a driver you are, there’s a chance you could end up in an emergency situation. Another driver may be responsible for a car accident that leaves your vehicle unmovable, or your car may unexpectedly break down on the side of the road. You could even be trapped in a bad storm, or deal with the fallout of bad road conditions.

Whatever the case, a sufficiently packed emergency roadside kit can help you stay safe, and possibly get your vehicle in good enough condition to drive away.

The Basics

These items should be part of your “core” emergency kit:

  • A first aid kit. First, you’ll need a first aid kit, which is a kit you’ll need to assemble independently. These vary from basic to comprehensive, but should include things like gauze, bandages, tape, antibiotic ointment, gloves, scissors, tweezers, and aspirin. These can help you treat immediate medical needs.
  • A spare tire (and associated equipment). Flat tires are one of the most common reasons for immobilized vehicles, so it makes sense to keep a spare tire, and everything you need to put it on. Check your spare tire regularly to ensure it remains properly inflated, and make sure you have a tire iron and jack available as well.
  • Jumper cables. Another common reason for a disabled vehicle is the inability to start your car. You can fix this issue in most cases with basic jumper cables, provided there’s another vehicle available and you know how to use them safely.
  • A general tool kit. Keep a basic assortment of tools in your car as well, including a hammer, wrench, screwdriver, and other fixtures. Even if you don’t know anything about car repair, you can use these for miscellaneous purposes like breaking up ice or escaping a vehicle when you’re trapped.
  • Visibility aids. Staying visible is a top priority in most emergency situations. Pack a high-visibility vest, some reflective triangles, some road flares, and a flashlight with spare batteries.
  • Extra (nonperishable) food and water. If you’re stranded, you’ll need to have some extra water and nonperishable food. Nuts and granola bars are good choices, and you can buy a gallon or two of distilled water from almost anywhere.
  • A fire extinguisher. It may not seem like you’ll ever need it, but if you do, you’ll be glad you have it. Fire extinguishers are reasonably inexpensive, and you can use them to keep control of an otherwise extremely dangerous situation.
  • A spare charger (and potentially, extra batteries). It’s also wise to keep a phone charger in your vehicle. If you end up stranded, having an alternative way to charge your phone can literally save your life. It may also be wise to keep spare batteries or power banks, fully charged, in your vehicle, as an added measure of security.
  • A rain poncho. This is a simple and cheap item that can keep you dry (and possibly warmer) when you’re working on your vehicle or trying to get help.

Winter-Specific Items

If you live in an area with harsh winter weather, these items should also be part of your kit:

  • Extra clothes and blankets. One of your biggest priorities when stranded in winter is going to be staying warm. Your car’s heater can help, at least for a time, but it’s still important to have some extra coats, gloves, hats, and blankets.
  • Snow brushes and scrapers. Keep snow brushes and scrapers in your car as well; it may be wise to have multiple copies of both. That way, if you happen to break a scraper, you’ll have a spare, and if you’re stranded with someone, you can work together to clear the car in half the time.
  • A snow shovel. Though a bit bulkier, it can be very helpful to have a snow shovel ready in the trunk of your car. If you get stuck in thick snow, it may be your only real chance of escape. The basic tools you have in your tool kit may not be enough.
  • Material for extra traction. If your car is stuck in ice and snow, one of your biggest challenges will be getting enough traction to start driving again. Kitty litter is a common choice to serve this purpose due to its cheapness and widespread availability, but you could also invest in sand or some other similar material.

You can buy an emergency roadside kit for a reasonable amount, and you can assemble one yourself for even cheaper. You can find the majority of these items at a local supermarket, and put them together in a consolidated bucket in the course of an evening. It’s well worth the investment, even if you use it only once.