Emergency Kit for the Car

Mickey Mantle said “If I knew I was going to live this long, I’d have taken better care of myself.”

Similarly, if people planning their summer travel knew they were going to have an emergency, they would have the right things available. Only 5% of drivers carry all recommended emergency supplies in their cars.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends that all American have some basic supplies on hand in order to survive for at least three days if an emergency occurs. Some of these things would be more important if you lived or traveled in remote areas.

• Reflective hazard triangle or road flares
• Spare tire
• Jumper cables
• First-aid kit
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Cell phone and charger
• Crucial medications
• Emergency radio with batteries
• Bottled water for each person and pet in your car
• Non-perishable, high-calorie food
• Distress signal flag
• Matches or lighter

During cold weather, additional items are recommended:

• Windshield scraper and brush
• Blankets and extra warm clothing
• Road salt or cat litter to help with tire traction
• Tarp for working outside in weather

It is recommended that emergency supplies should be checked at least twice a year to see that all of the items are in working order and in good condition. It is important that items are replaced if any of them are used during the year.

The American Red Cross is among many sources where emergency preparedness kits and supplies can be purchased.