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Car

Make an Emergency Kit for your Car

With so much time spent on the road it’s a good idea to keep some basic emergency supplies in your vehicle.

For those who commute to and from work you may find yourself cut off from your home. The supplies you keep in your vehicle could be all you have until you are able to get home. Below are some important tips to help you prepare a kit for your car, as well as some important safety considerations that may help you keep your vehicle ready when disaster strikes.

In addition to keeping a kit in your vehicle, keeping current on maintenance and repairs will ensure your car is ready when you need it most. Windshield wipers, adequate tire tread and heating and air conditioning systems are examples of things that may help you during adverse weather. In a disaster fuel pumps may not work so it's a good idea to get in the habit of always making sure you have at least half a tank of gas.

In case you are stranded, keep a kit of emergency supplies in your car including:

  • Jumper cables: might want to include reflective triangles as well
  • Flashlights: with extra batteries
  • First Aid Kit: remember any necessary medications, baby formula and diapers if you have a small child
  • Food: non-perishable food such as canned food, and protein rich foods like nuts and energy bars
  • Manual can opener
  • Water: at least 1 gallon of water per person a day for at least 3 days
  • Basic toolkit: pliers, wrench, screwdriver
  • Pet supplies: food and water  
  • Radio: battery or hand cranked
  • Cat litter or sand: for better tire traction in snow or icy conditions
  • Shovel
  • Ice scraper
  • Clothes: warm clothes, gloves, hat, sturdy boots, jacket and an extra change of clothes for the cold
  • Blankets or sleeping bags
  • Charged Cell Phone: and car charger