Emergency Preparedness Kits for Cars
Every driver has the potential to face a car emergency during their time behind the wheel. Those emergency situations could range from something minor, like a dead battery, to something more serious, like experiencing a medical emergency while driving. Drivers need to be ready for these different scenarios by putting together emergency safety car kits. These kits should include items to help with minor problems as well as emergency preparedness supplies to help drivers and any passengers survive a more severe emergency.
Cell Phone and Cell Phone Charger
A working cell phone is a crucial tool for drivers who are in need of assistance during emergencies. Every vehicle needs to include a cell phone charger and a full power bank in its emergency kit. This ensures that the driver doesn’t have to fret about their phone’s battery running out.
Jumper Cables
Jumper cables are needed to revive a dead car battery by connecting it to a working battery in another vehicle. Familiarity with using jumper cables is essential knowledge for all drivers.
Road Flares
Road flares attract attention, helping to prevent further accidents. They can also alert law enforcement and emergency services of a situation that requires assistance.
Flashlight
All vehicles need to be equipped with a flashlight and spare batteries. A flashlight serves several crucial purposes for drivers; it can even be used as a Morse code communication device in a pinch.
Non-Perishable Food
Keep water and non-perishable food items, such as protein bars, in your car’s glove compartment just in case you end up stranded for an extended period of time. At the very least, having these supplies can alleviate hunger during lengthy periods of traffic congestion.
Fire Extinguisher
Keep a small dry powder fire extinguisher in your car; they stop vehicle fires from spreading, preventing grave danger and limiting property damage.
First Aid Kit
Premade first aid kits are widely available and contain the essential items for managing minor injuries. However, individuals with specific medical requirements, such as life-threatening allergies, may supplement their kit with items like Benadryl and an EpiPen.
Gloves
Work gloves protect your hands during tasks like working near a hot engine or changing a tire.
Rain Poncho
A hooded plastic rain poncho is a protective garment that is especially useful when you need to address an emergency during a rainstorm. This is especially true in colder climates where getting wet and cold can lead to major health concerns.
Tire Sealant or Air Compressor
A convenient solution for inflating a low-pressure tire is a portable air compressor that connects to your car’s cigarette lighter or power source. This device can quickly and effectively add air to your tire, restoring proper inflation and ensuring safe driving.
Tire Pressure Gauge
A tire pressure gauge is a tool that lets you quickly check and change tire pressure. Its compact size makes it easy to store alongside other emergency supplies, giving you peace of mind on the road.
Pen and Paper
Pen and paper may seem simple, but you don’t want to be caught without them. They let you leave notes for rescuers or jot down important info when devices fail. They provide a reliable, low-tech solution for critical communication needs during unexpected roadside situations.
Emergency Blankets
An emergency blanket is a thin, lightweight plastic sheet that is very effective at trapping body heat. These blankets can help protect drivers and passengers from hypothermia and should be included in every car emergency kit, especially for drivers in areas that experience cold winter weather.
Cat Litter
Keeping a small bag of cat litter in your trunk can prove to be a valuable tool in slippery circumstances. It sounds strange if you don’t have a cat, but when you are stuck in mud or ice, using cat litter to gain traction is an effective way of getting unstuck.
Shovel
A compact folding shovel proves invaluable when needing to excavate your car from either snow or mud.
This page was last updated by Marc Gregory
