By having these items in your car, you can prepare yourself for most emergencies that may arise at the most unforeseen times.
No one enjoys being stuck on the side of the road, but when you have your trusty emergency car kit, the experience can be more tolerable. It’s important that we cover the basics, and we also have suggestions for items you may have overlooked. Consider packing these supplies to bring along when you commence your next road trip, or even just your next drive across town.
Sanitation
- Toilet paper. Keep a 4-pack handy; remove the cardboard tubes and flatten to save space.
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss. Travel sizes make these easier to pack. Pack a set for each member of your family in a zip-top bag labeled with each person’s name.
- Small box of tissues.
- Hand sanitizer. Store in a quart-sized zip-top bag to avoid leakage.
Sustenance
- Trail mix. Make sure there’s no chocolate (which would melt in high temperatures).
- Shelled sunflower seeds.
- Energy bars. Choose high-calorie options; they’re lightweight but provide the calories you’ll need in a small dose.
- Sports drinks with electrolytes.
Survival
- Water. A case of water bottles or cleaned 2-liter soda bottles, refilled with tap water, and tightly capped. These bottles can be reused.
- Survival and first aid manuals.
- Emergency radio. Choose a model that is both solar- and battery-powered.
- Heavy-duty trash bags.
- Fleece blankets. Roll these up and store them under the back seat for easiest access.
- Multi-purpose knife.
- Extra batteries. For everything in your kit that requires a battery.
- Hand/foot warmers.
- LED flashlights and/or headlamps.
- Rain ponchos.
- Binoculars.
- Maps.
- High-quality first-aid kit.
- Medications. Make sure you only pack those that aren’t temperature-sensitive.
- Bug repellent.
- Duct tape. (There’s always a use for duct tape.)
Security
- Whistle.
- Pepper spray. This is good bear spray if your travels take you through bear country.
- Emergency phone numbers on a laminated card.
Sanity
- Deck of cards.
- Books.
- Small journal/pen or pencil.
Roadside assistance doesn’t come cheap unless you have the proper auto insurance to cover such instances. For more information about how we can protect you on the road and on the shoulder, contact Lou Aggetta Insurance Services in Pleasant Hill, California today.