What to Keep in Your Car for Emergencies

We often think of our homes first when it comes to safety and disaster response, however, what to keep in your car can be equally important. According to the DMV, only 5% of drivers keep the proper emergency supplies that they should have accessible in their vehicles! You should be prepared for a variety of emergencies when you are out on the road.

Essentials to Keep in Your Car

Assemble an automotive emergency kit. It is far better to have supplies that you never end up using than to be without them when needed. Pre-assembled emergency kits are available, but you can easily put one together yourself. We have outlined the necessary provisions below.

At a minimum, keep the following items in case you need to change a tire:

• Properly inflated spare tire (check the pressure requirements)
• Car jack
• Tie iron or lug nut wrench and a pipe for leverage

In addition to being able to recover from a flat tire, also be prepared to handle other emergencies. By keeping certain tools and supplies in your vehicle, you will be prepared to handle a variety of mechanical and weather issues.

Your basic supplies should include the following items:

• First-aid kit
• Extra charger for your cell phone
• Pocket knife or multipurpose tool
• Flashlight & spare batteries
• Fire extinguisher
• Reflective triangles or roadside flares
• Jumper cables
• Work gloves
• Road Tool Kit
• Funnel
• Two quarts of oil
• Rags
• Brake fluid
• Duct tape
• Windshield washer fluid
• Spare fuses
• Antifreeze
• Tire inflator & foam tire sealant (to fix smaller holes)
• Tow strap or rope (that can tow up to 6,000 pounds)

Weather & Disaster Car Supplies

You may find yourself in a situation where you must hunker down in your car for an extended period of time. This may happen during a natural disaster or if you live in a region that experiences snowy or icy winters. Your supplies should include the following items:

• Warm blanket & warm clothes (extra socks, mittens, etc.)
• Rain poncho
• Ice scraper & brush
• Collapsible shovel (in case you must dig it out)
• Important medications
• Road salt or cat litter (for traction)
• AM/FM radio & spare batteries
• Candle & a lighter
• Tarp (for working in the rain or snow)
• Several bottles of water, energy bars or other nonperishable snacks
• Consider a roadside assistance membership & store the number in your glove box

Keep supplies in a sturdy cardboard box or a container somewhere in the back of your vehicle. Make sure that you can quickly find it when needed. Also inspect all emergency supplies at least twice a year. Is the spare tire properly inflated? Is your food expired?

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