What Do I Put In An Emergency Roadside Kit?

As much as we love cars and do our best to take care of them, we know they can sometimes break down unexpectedly. While this can be unfortunate, being prepared can make sure that it doesn’t escalate into a dangerous situation.

The best way to prepare for this “worse case scenario” is by having an emergency roadside kit in your vehicle. Basic roadside emergency kits can be purchased at almost any retail store that has an automotive section, but they don’t always have everything needed for different types of emergencies. We’ve put together a list of some of the items that should be kept in your car in case you get stuck on the side of the road.

• Blankets – Weather is unpredictable and temperatures can drop quite low, even in the summer. Stay warm by keeping some blankets in your car.
• Candles – Candles are a great multi purpose item to have. They will give you a little bit of light and also emit heat to help keep you warm.
• Lighter/matches – Matches will give you the ability to actually light the candles you brought, and are often useful for other things such as breaking string or melting things together.
• Fire extinguisher – Just as you want to be able to start fire, you also want to be able to put one out. Fire can get out of control quickly, so having a fire extinguisher handy is critical.
• Food – The best type of food to keep in your vehicle is some sort of energy or protein bar. These are non-perishable, compact, and will give you more energy and nutrients if you are stuck for an extended period of time.
• Water – When your body doesn’t get the water it needs it becomes dehydrated, which can be very dangerous. Keeping a source of water in your car is an easy way to help protect your body in an emergency situation.
• Help signs – If you are in a situation where you lose cell reception or don’t have a phone, having a ‘help’ sign in your car will help you to flag down other drivers.
• Flashlight – Having a flashlight on hand allows you to see things and is especially handy if your car breaks down at night.
• Batteries – These can be used for your flashlight or any other electronic device that you have in your car. They may not be a life saver, but sure are nice to have.
• Jumper cables – If all your car needs is a boost, jumper cables can save you a lot of time and trouble.
• Duct tape – Duct tape has so many uses, it would be impossible to list them all! It’s very strong and can help you attach or patch almost anything.
• Basic tool kit – It’s hard to carry every tool that you could possibly need, but having some basic tools can help with minor repairs.
• Pocket knife – Pocket knives are very versatile and can contain anything from scissors to screwdrivers.
• Paper towels or a rag – These may not be necessary for emergency situations, but they can be useful day-to-day to help you keep messes under control.
• First aid kit – It’s a good idea to keep a first aid kit for any minor injuries – it may save you from a more serious problem later.
• Roadmaps – Technology can be unreliable, so keep some physical roadmaps of the area you’re travelling so that you know where you are if you need to call for help.
• Warning light or road flares – Be visible to other motorists by keeping some sort of warning light in your emergency kit. This is especially important at night.
• Extra clothing – If you get wet or cold, having extra clothing can keep you safe and warm.

Keeping these items in your car will help make sure that no matter what emergency situation you find yourself in, you’re prepared to deal with it.