Emergency Car Kit: 9 Essentials
The best emergency car kits prepare you for the worst without taking up too much space or costing you a fortune. Here are nine essentials you need in yours.
The 9 Essentials of an Emergency Kit:
The main components of car emergency kits will help you get through various emergency situations. You have the option of purchasing a ready-made kit or purchasing various items and making your own. Either way, there are some articles for very specific situations, but the following nine articles will help you in an emergency.
- Jumper Cables: Most people have experienced a dead battery at some point. So a set of jumper cables on hand is always useful whether it's restarting your vehicle or helping someone else out.
- Flashlight and Batteries: It's always handy to have a flashlight in case you need to walk in the dark or peek under the hood.
- First Aid Kit: You should always have at least one basic kit in the car that contains adhesive bandages, antiseptic cream, gauze, etc. Whether in the event of a road accident or incident (you cut yourself while carrying out an emergency repair, for example).
- Basic Tools: A screwdriver with interchangeable heads and a set of wrenches can be useful in several situations. Duct tape and elastic stretchers are also helpful.
- Scrapers, Brush, and Shovel: During the harsh winter months, snow removal tools can mean the difference between moving on and getting stuck in the snow.
- Safety poster, flare, whistle: These tools have two important and complementary functions; attract the attention of other motorists when you are in difficulty and warn them that an accident has occurred and the road is obstructed to avoid making the situation worse.
- Compass: Knowing how to read a compass could help you find your way if you get lost.
- Emergency Blanket: This includes a metallic silver layer that retains your body heat. It could save your life if you're lost in the woods or just broken down on the side of a road and the weather is cold.
- Roadside Assistance: Some kits include roadside assistance service; So make sure you always carry a fully charged cell phone or keep some 25 cents in your kit so you can use a payphone if needed.
Factors to Consider When Buying an Emergency Kit:
Consider which kit would be best for you and where you will likely be visiting with your vehicle.
- Size: Several emergency kits are extremely compact, saving you space while keeping you safe.
- Climate: Consider a kit made specifically for the conditions you are most likely to find yourself in. A winter survival kit with a large emergency blanket won't come in handy on a road through a desert but will be a great ally in a snowstorm.
- Survival Ration: Long-lasting foods such as energy bars and water are always a good addition to an emergency kit.
- Personal Additions: Emergency kits will not include specific items such as medications. So be sure to put a supply in yours.
- Cell Phone: A cell phone with a charged battery and access to service can dramatically improve an emergency. Consider getting a spare portable charger for your cell phone.
It's easy to drive without an emergency car kit until you need it. However, getting one, just in case, is both smart and farsighted, since even well-maintained vehicles are at risk of breaking down. Feel secure and be prepared while having a supply of essential emergency items on hand.
