Do You Have A Car Emergency Kit?

Country Road                        CHGetReady

Think about this................. It's 11:30 p.m. you're driving alone on a country road.  It is getting dark and you are passing through a place that is pretty desolate, instantly you know that something is wrong as your vehicle suddenly becomes difficult to steer. 

You ease the car to the side of the road. After getting out you check out the car, you see that the left rear tire is flat.

Under great circumstances you have an account with the Auto Club,  and hopefully, you have cell service.  If not, you're either faced with having to stop a passing motorist to ask for help, if you have the good fortune of anyone on the road.  Otherwise, you may be spending the night in the boonies. 

Unless, of course, you have taken the time to prepare, and have a well-stocked emergency roadside kit in your car, along with a tool kit and a grab 'n Go Kit. YEA!

Whenever traveling any distance, a roadside emergency kit can mean the difference between getting back on the road quickly and efficiently or being stuck for who knows how long. 

A well stocked roadside emergency kit is the one item every vehicle should have, however, most of us never carry any of the basic items needed to get back on the road quickly and safely.

Let's change that.  Make plans to stock the trunk of your vehicles with the needed items.  You will have greater peace of mind knowing you have supplies that will give you options should you ever have a challenge with your vehicle as you travel. Also, consider your car's battery life as in an emergency you may need to run the radio or heater for extended periods of time.

Use your trunk space to store your supplies                   CHGetReady

Think of your car's trunk as a big steel supply cabinet.  Even if you are at home when a disaster strikes, and your home is well stocked, you may still need the supplies in your car. Or your home may not be safe to enter.

Pre-assembled emergency roadside kits are available. (See the internet for more choices). These kits contain the basics in a small carrier, although you may want to ramp up their efficiency by adding more of the items listed below to suit your needs.

Before you have to use your kit in any emergency, get familiar with the items you've collected and practice using them properly.  

Take all precautions, and make wise choices.  Night time is very challenging for oncoming traffic to see anyone without light.  Stopping to change a tire in the high-speed lane is an accident waiting to happen.  Be sure to put out your triangle and flares.  Use your tools and supplies. Remember, most importantly is your own good judgment.

There isn't a "one tool bag for every emergency fits all." However, a little planning and wise organization of trunk space, having your own emergency roadside kit may save the day.

Keeping your car mechanically sound makes sense as a leaking exhaust system could be fatal. Yearly inspections and registration will help you keep it in tip top shape.  Rotating tires, keeping fluid levels up and change wipers, when needed. Keep your vehicle clutter free.    

                     ALWAYS KEEP YOUR GAS TANK AT LEAST ½ FULL 
You will thank yourself the first time you are stuck in a traffic jam or in bad weather. 

                 Create that good habit now, when the tank gets to 1/2, Fill 'er up!!!

Full Tank of gas                                                           CHGetReady

If you choose to make your own kits, take a look at the list below to assist you in getting started or updated.

 Your Basic Car Emergency Kits will include:

12-ft jumper cable (heavy gauge), at least four 15-minute roadside flares, light sticks, matches, lighter, Emergency Roadside Triangles, extra fuses, tire inflation pump, can of Fix -A- Flat, tire pressure gauge, roll of duct tape, emergency radio, solar/emergency charger, small fire extinguisher, Help sign, pen and paper, rags, tow rope/chain 

Your Tool Bag includes:

Flat head screwdrivers, Phillips head screwdrivers, pliers, vise grips, adjustable wrench, wire cutters,  saw, wire brush

Place Under The Front Seats:

Escape hammer, seat belt knife, flashlight and extra batteries, window scraper w/brush

In the trunk:

Blanket, two qts of oil, small shovel, bottled water, umbrella, urinal, toilet paper, feminine hygiene supplies (women), extra diapers (babies, toddlers)

Your First Aid Kit: 

Assortment of bandages, several rolls of gauze, adhesive tape, antiseptic cream, Neosporin, instant ice and heat compresses, scissors, quick clot, splints, Ibuprofen, bandannas for slings, essential oils (first aid), roll of paper towels, wet wipes, safety pins, ace bandages, blood pressure cuff, defibrillator, suturing supplies, stethoscope, CPR face shield or mask,  latex or non-latex gloves, sterile water

Grab ‘n Go Car Bag:

Leather man, pocket knife, Bottled water, small filter, Shoes, socks, or boots,Coat, hat, gloves, Poncho/Rain gear, Compass, Rope (24’), Energy bars, freeze dried food pouches, nuts, $25.00 worth bills and change, Head lamp for hands free, Solar powered phone charger* (opt)

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