Road emergencies occur when you least expect them; the engine stops, a tire goes flat, social insurrection. These times can be scary but it is important to keep your wits about you, think clearly, and have a plan.
Part of that plan should include a vehicle emergency kit. One that is small and lightweight that can be tucked away in your back seat or trunk to provide the necessities and to keep you safe, calm, warm, and dry. You certainly could purchase one on places like Amazon, but we chose to make our own. Putting this together yourself can guarantee that you will have the items that you feel are necessary at the level of quality your needs require.
considerations
Here are somethings to consider when building or buying your kit:
- Special family member needs (e.g. medications, limited mobility, medical conditions)
- Weather conditions of your travel route and destination
- Personal needs / desires
- Where and how you will store your emergency kit
Our kit
Here is what we keep in our vehicles in a waterproof boating bag (I think we bought these at BassPro):
Safe
- Check out your vehicle before you go
- Jumper cables
- A multipurpose tool
- Basic tools:
- Screwdrivers (flat and Philips)
- Adjustable wrench
- Adjustable pliers
- Set of wrenches (SAE and metric)
- Hammer
- Socket wrench and sockets (SAE and metric)
- Flashlight (rechargeable or carry extra batteries)
- Road flares (
caution, HOT! ) - Small fire extinguisher
- Cell phone charger for your vehicle
- Small roll of duct tape
- Compass
- Basic first aid kit with:
- Gauze
- Tape
- Bandages
- Antibiotic ointment
- Aspirin, Ibuprofen, and Acetaminophen
- Non-latex gloves
- Scissors
- Hydrocortisone
- Thermometer
- Tweezers
- Flexible fabric wraps (like Acetm bandages)
- Feminine hygiene products (beyond the obvious, can be used to help stop a bloody nose or other bleeding)
- Small container with any medicines you take regularly (remember to keep these fresh by rotating them frequently)
Calm
- Non-perishable, high-energy foods:
- Unsalted nuts (salt helps dehydrate your body)
- Dried fruits
- Drinking water (extra if you live in a hot climate, or during your Summer months)
- A roll of toilet paper (it is like gold in an emergency situation)
- Activities for small children
- Anything else that you find helps you be calm and will help to pass the time.
Warm and Dry
- Rain poncho
- Small tarp
- Blankets
If you live in a colder climate, or during your Winter months, you would want to include these items also:
- Snow brush
- Small shovel
- Blankets (enough to cover everyone in the vehicle)
- A small bag of cat litter (can help with traction on icy roadways)
Anything else you feel will help you deal with road and vehicle emergencies.
maintenance
Take the time quarterly (or at least annually) to review your vehicle emergency kit. Add items you feel will make it better, replace expired or used up items.
What you prepare for today will help keep you safe on your journeys. You will be happy you spent the time to build a vehicle emergency kit should you ever find yourself in an emergency situation.
Enjoy the journey! – Rob and Trish