A car emergency kit is essential regardless of where you live. Make sure you keep these five items stocked in your emergency car kit.
What is an Emergency Car Kit?
An emergency car kit are items you keep in your car in case you become stuck on the side of the road, you get a flat tire, are involved in an accident, or another type of emergency arises.
What Five Items Should be Included in Your Emergency Car Kit?
Your emergency car kit should include:
- First-aid kit
- Blankets
- Flashlights
- Reflective Triangles and gear
- Fire extinguisher
First-aid kit - your first-aid kit should include the basic essentials to address minor injuries, such as band-aids, eyewash, hand sanitizer, antibiotic ointment, gauze, adhesive tape, and similar items.
Blankets - even if you live in an area where most of the days are sunny, being stuck on the side of the road at night is no picnic, and you shouldn't leave your car running until help arrives because you never know how long that will be.
Flashlights - flashlights help you see during the day and the night. If you need to take a look under your hood for any reason, a flashlight will help you see better to determine any malfunctions and other problems your car could be experiencing. Make sure you have batteries to power the flashlights.
Reflective Triangles and Gear - you want to make sure you can be seen on the side of the road during the day and at night. Reflective triangles alert other drivers that there is a situation and makes the area easier to see, especially during an auto accident. Wearing reflective gear makes you easier to see in traffic.
Fire extinguisher - after an auto accident, a car might catch fire. You can use the fire extinguisher to try to put out the fire before extensive damage is done to a car.
You should only use the items in your emergency kit for emergency purposes. When you wash blankets or use other items in the kit, make sure you replace them. Always keep this kit in your car to ensure you have useful items in an emergency.