We hear a lot about emergency situations - big or small - when we're on the road or just out and about around town. I keep a small amount of emergency supplies in my car, but I have been inspired to help you also get any necessary supplies put in your car for "every day" use and another kit for long road trips. Being that I live in the city and don't do a lot of long distance trips in our car {mostly in our RV}, my list may not include everything you might want, but it's more for your inspiration to get things moving. We all travel in different climates and areas - from the snowy mountains to the very hot, extreme desert.
So, I'm going to give you some ideas of what types of things you might want to think about putting in your car. I gathered ideas from reading all over the internet and from friends. Here are the things I would choose to bring with me. Yes, we have cell phones now, which make it easier to get help quickly, but should your cell phone die or be in a very remote area where you get no cell reception, you should have items with you to help you until you can find help, should your car break down, get a flat, run out of gas, or have some other extreme emergency situation.
The Everyday Emergency Car Kit:
The Road Trip Emergency Car Kit:
So, I'm going to give you some ideas of what types of things you might want to think about putting in your car. I gathered ideas from reading all over the internet and from friends. Here are the things I would choose to bring with me. Yes, we have cell phones now, which make it easier to get help quickly, but should your cell phone die or be in a very remote area where you get no cell reception, you should have items with you to help you until you can find help, should your car break down, get a flat, run out of gas, or have some other extreme emergency situation.
The Everyday Emergency Car Kit:
- Jumper Cables {I like this one since it includes gloves}
- Extra Phone cord and charger
- Flashlight
- First Aid Kit {with basic items}
- Blanket and/or Towels {double to keep dirty things from getting all over the trunk}
- Wipes and/or paper towels
- Ice Scraper {for anyone with snow/ice}
- Road flares and/or Safety Reflectors
- Plastic garbage bag {for possible throwing up}
- Paper and pen
- Camera {or phone if yours take photos}
- Fix a flat {I used this in college when I got a flat tire and was alone}
- Leather Gloves
- Duct Tape
- Sunscreen
- Pocket Knife
- Small Plastic Bin to hold everything
The Road Trip Emergency Car Kit:
- All of the above PLUS:
- Water
- Emergency food: meal bars, crackers, etc.
- Tow Strap
- Small Tool Kit
- Cash
- Tow Service Emergency Card {like AAA}
- Large Plastic Bin to hold everything
- Map/Road Atlas
- Extra shirts or sweatshirts
Something I would personally include, are some of my favorite essential oils - but I carry those in my purse in small containers. Also, if you have extreme weather, be sure to consider that when putting together an emergency car kit. I'm also going to confess that I only have a few of these items in my OWN every day kit. Since I, almost exclusively, drive in the city, it's not hard to get to somewhere or worry about some of the things that I would if I lived in a more remote area. I can call AAA and get my car jumped, gas, or keys out if I lock them in my car, etc. But, I know that sometimes weird things happen. I also don't like a lot of stuff in the back of my van. So, I try to keep the bare minimum. If you know of a new teenage driver, this would be a great gift for them to have an everyday driver kit put together. If you have a college student who drives on the road a lot {I did this a lot at that age}.
What else would you add to this list for your region or area?
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Hi Becky,
ReplyDeleteI think they are great lists. I would also include a tarpaulin, and one of those plastic fake windscreens, incase a window broke.
Have a great day!
Last year an unexpected ice storm hit mid day, and put our city into complete gridlock. People were trapped in their cars for hours, on main thoroughfares and back roads alike.I learned a couple of lessons the hard way:
ReplyDelete1) There was no place to, um, go. My emergency kit now has a wide mouth jar, with lid, with a small roll of toilet paper inside. It sure beats trying to use a coffee cup or empty water bottle!
2) Some people had to leave their cars and hike out. My kit now includes an old pair of walking shoes, a sock hat and a pair of gloves.
3) Cell phones died after a few hours, my kit now includes an emergency phone chargers.
4) My husband never made it out of his office complex before the roads clogged and closed. He spent the night in his office and his recommendation was to add an inflatable pillow to his emergency kit.
I never really expected to get stranded in a major metro area, but last year taught me that it might be the most likely place. A bad wreck can close the entire interstate, or when the majority of the poplulation tries to leave work at the same time, nobody goes anywhere!
I second the idea of adding walking shoes and socks to your kit. Nothing worse than having to walk in your dress pumps when stranded on the highway.
ReplyDelete