Your Essential Car Kit in Case of Emergency
One of the things we cannot control in life is the unexpected emergency. However, we can make sure we are fully prepared, safe and ready to handle whatever life throws at us. As a driver, emergencies can include extreme weather, a tire blowout, a breakdown, or maybe even an auto collision, and more. These things happen to us all at some point, so it is important to have an emergency roadside kit in your car to cover all of these cases and more.
Why Do I Need an Emergency Kit?
Before we decide on what to put in an emergency kit, let us talk about why it is essential to have it. If you are out driving and for example, you are involved in an auto collision it is essential that you get assistance as quickly as possible. If it happens in a town or city, then this might not be an issue. However, let us not forget that a large percentage of roads in some places are rural and it could be quite some time before another vehicle comes along – you may even find that cell phone service is not strong in certain areas and so on. In a situation like this, an emergency kit will make the wait for rescue safer and more comfortable.
Building Your Emergency Kit
An emergency kit does not have to be overly complicated. The basics are just items to keep you comfortable in case you have to wait by your car for an extended period following an auto collision or breakdown. Start by gathering the following minimum supplies to be prepared for the emergencies:
- A Flashlight with spare batteries or an emergency lantern
- A first aid kit
- A couple of blankets (foil emergency blankets don’t take up much space)
- A towel
- Spare hat, gloves and socks
- Drinking water
- Snacks (cereal or protein bars)
These items can be put together in a sturdy box, duffel bag or toolbox and stowed in the trunk or under the passenger seat, so they are close at hand if you do encounter an emergency. At a minimum, these items can help to keep you warm, dry and hydrated.
If you want to build up a more extensive emergency kit then think about other items you might need following an auto collision or another incident. Things like some spare cash (notes and coins) may be useful as well as a portable charger for your phone. Some people also add items like roadside flares, jumper cables, and motor oil.
Do not forget that in the event of any sort of emergency, the first step is to get to safety. That means if you are involved in an auto collision you will want to get out of the car and off the road as soon as possible. Make sure your emergency kit is available at hand and easy to access so you can grab it fast and go.
