a cartoon emergency kit

What's in Your Emergency Kit?

Having a roadside emergency kit in your car can be the difference between life or death in an accident or extreme weather conditions. Are you prepared should you get stuck on the side of the road? You might think "I know where I'm going and I'll be right back". But accidents happen all the time, most of them within 5 miles of your home. Yes having a cellphone, GPS and credit card would help a simple situation, but imagine something, well….. unexpected.

Say your car breaks down in the middle of the night, in the middle of nowhere. It's amazing the things you wish you had in your car at that moment. Here are a few ideas to help you prepare an emergency roadside kit

  • First Aid Kit - should include different size bandages, ointments, pain relievers, scissors, matches, wraps and any important medical notes regarding family members (ex - allergies, diabetic)
  • Non-Perishable Food - you don't know how long you'll be stuck, you want to have snacks with lots of calories on hand to hold you over.
  • Blankets - not only can these be helpful in the winter, but also as a shield between you and the hot or cold ground should you need to change a tire.
  • Car Repair Tools - you should always have in your car these following things: spare tire and jack, tire repair kit, flares and reflectors, jumper cables and a flashlight.

It's also important to adjust your kit for the weather or terrain you plan on traveling through. For example: snow, mountains, extreme weather. Emergency kits can take time to prepare, but should anything happen while you are on the road, you will be thankful you have the necessities in your car.