Emergency Preparedness Kits for Car Emergencies

Every driver will confront a car-related emergency at some point. These incidents can be as simple as a dead battery at home or as potentially tragic as being stuck in a snowbank. Drivers need to prepare for all of these different situations by building an emergency car kit. These kits should be stocked with items that will help the driver recover from minor car mishaps like a flat tire or dead battery. However, the kit should also have the necessary supplies to help the driver and any passengers survive a real emergency like being stranded in severe weather.

Jumper cables: Jumper cables let the working battery of one car revive the dead battery of another. All drivers should know how to use jumper cables.

Cell phone and cell phone charger: A cell phone lets drivers reach out for help in an emergency. All cars need a working cell phone charger as well, so that during an emergency, the driver isn't worrying about the battery in their phone dying.

Flashlight: All cars should have at least one flashlight, along with extra batteries. A flashlight helps drivers perform basic fixes at night, can work as a flare, and is vital if the driver must leave the car when it's dark.

Non-perishable food: Keeping some water and non-perishable food like protein bars in the passenger compartment of the car is vital in case the car gets stranded. It also can help stave off hunger when stuck in traffic.

Fire extinguisher: Portable extinguishers can help keep a vehicle fire from spreading

Road flares: Road flares help attract attention and also prevent a car that's been in an accident from being hit again while waiting for police or a tow truck.

First aid kit: Basic first aid kits are available for purchase and have everything needed to handle simple injuries. People with specialized medical needs (say, an allergy to bee stings) should add things like EpiPens to their kit.

Gloves: Work gloves help prevent injuries to hands when changing a tire or working near a hot engine.

Poncho: A hooded plastic poncho protects the driver when doing things like changing a tire during a rainstorm.

Tire sealant or air compressor: A portable air compressor that plugs into the car's cigarette lighter can help reinflate a tire that's running low on air. A can of tire sealant works similarly to help repair a tire well enough to get to help.

Blankets: A blanket is a basic survival item. All cars should have one. In the winter, it can be the difference between life or death.

Cat litter: If you're stuck in mud or ice, sprinkling cat litter around the tires can help provide the grip needed to free the car. A small bag in the trunk is a great tool for these situations.

Shovel: A small collapsible shovel is perfect for digging out of snow or mud.

Additional Resources

Bad-Weather Driving: The first rule for driving in bad weather is to make sure the car's headlights are on and operating.
Safety Tips for Driving in Bad Weather: Drivers should take their time and proceed with caution when driving in bad weather.
Driving in Severe Weather: Sometimes, the safest action is turning around and not proceeding down a dangerous road.
Driving in Bad Weather Fact Sheet: An accident occurs in Texas every 56 seconds. Following these safety rules can help drivers avoid being included in that statistic.
Can You Drive Safely in Every Type of Severe Weather? No matter what the weather looks like, the driver and passengers should begin each trip by buckling up.
Safe Driving: Around 36,000 people die in car accidents each year.
Five Road Safety Tips Even the Most Experienced Drivers Sometimes Forget: Drivers can be distracted by their phones as well as by children and other passengers.
How to Stay Safe on the Road: Eight Important Safe Driving Tips: Drivers should always be aware of what's around their car.
Top 20 Defensive Driving Tips to Keep You Safe: All drivers make mistakes, and good drivers expect that other drivers won't behave perfectly.
Top 10 Safe Driving Tips and Practices: One often overlooked part of being a safe driver is keeping the car properly maintained.
Safe Driving Tips: Cars share the road with other cars as well as cyclists and pedestrians.
21 Tips for Becoming a Safer Driver: Leaving for places with time to spare helps avoid speeding and makes people safer drivers.
Safe Winter Driving: When skidding on ice, drivers should steer into the skid instead of fighting it to regain control of their vehicle.
Safe Driving Is Everyone's Job: After an accident, stay inside the vehicle and call 911.
How to Prepare for Your Next Road Trip: All cars need an emergency safety kit.
12 Safety Tips for Driving at Night: Slowing down is a crucial safety element when driving at night.
Top Ten Safe Driver Habits: Buckling up and not texting while driving are two basic, yet crucial, safe driving habits.
Driving Safety: Tailgating causes accidents, so it's important to leave adequate space between vehicles.
How to Drive in Snow Safely: Jerky steering movements and rapid changes in speed are behaviors to avoid when driving in the snow.
Tips for Driving Safely During the Holiday Season: Secure all packages along with all passengers before setting off on holiday travels.
Behind the Wheel: How to Help Your Teen Become a Safe Driver: Parents need to facilitate lots of supervised driving practice before letting their teen driver take the car out alone.
Tips for Passenger Vehicle Drivers: Stay out of the blind spots of other vehicles.
Five Basic Concepts of Defensive Driving That Keep You Safe on the Road: Following basic traffic rules is a key component of defensive driving.
Driving Safety: Eating and drinking can be big distractions for drivers.
Safe Driving Rules Everyone Should Follow: All drivers should use turn signals.
What Should You Keep in the Car? Jumper cables are a basic safety item all cars should have.
Car Safety: Performing necessary maintenance is a vital part of preparing a vehicle for all emergency situations.
Building an Emergency Winter Supply Kit for Your Car: Drivers who live in climates that experience cold or snowy winters need to consider that when building their emergency car kits.

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