Every single time we start the engine of our car and roll out onto the road, we need to be prepared for the unexpected surprise. Whether we are involved in a collision, a breakdown or we encounter severe weather, what we carry in our car will shorten the time we are stranded by keeping necessities instantly available.
There are times that life catches us completely unprepared for the consequences of our actions or of those around us. One of the places we should never be unprepared is in an emergency on the road. Every road trip carries the possibility for an accident.
The following items should be kept inside each vehicle at all times: cell phone and charger, pepper spray, car manual, tire gauge, first aid kit, bottled water, maps, and a compass or GPS system.
First Aid Kit for the Car
Emergency kits should contain:
- various sizes of bandages
- antiseptic spray
- gauze
- scissors
- tape
- aspirin/Tylenol
- cooling anti-burn wrap
- baby wipes
Items to Store in Trunk
- umbrella
- flashlight
- small tool kit
- extra bottles of water
- paper towels, rags
- lightweight blanket and small pillow
- disposable camera ( for photos of accident site)
- battery jumper cable
- a triangle which glows in the dark
- empty gas can
- dried foods ( freeze-dried ice cream, dried fruits, nuts, granola bars, protein bars)
Auto Club Membership
If this is affordable for you and your family members, it can pay for itself in just one incident. These clubs often include having your vehicle towed, jump-started, and/or unlocked in around an hour for a monthly, quarterly or annual fee.
If you find yourself out late at night or in an unfamiliar area and experience a flat tire or another surprise breakdown, you can stay in the car, dial the 1-800-number on your card to get help. Even if you know how to change a flat tire, if you are stuck on a busy highway or in an unsafe area, your best bet is to stay in the car and dial your auto club for help.
Road Warrior/Urban Automotive 72 hr. Kit
Here's a kit that has everything you need in a durable canvas bag for $49.99. You can purchase this kit online along with other kits at varying prices. This one includes:
- 30 min high-intensity light stick
- auto spot light
- first aid kit
- fire extinguisher
- Swiss army style knife
- drinking water
- duct tape
- wet naps
- tow rope
- jumper cables
- flashlight with batteries
- solar blanket
- flat tire fixer
- whistle
- utility knife
- weather proof poncho
- leather gloves
- emergency instructions and HELP sign
- reflecting triangle
You can protect yourself against most mechanical breakdowns by having your vehicle properly maintained. When a road emergency occurs, being prepared could save you hours of inconvenience.
Sources:
www.disasternecessities.com
www.aaa.com
