Car Emergency Kit - Is Yours Stocked Up?

We all know Murphy’s law, if something can go wrong at the least convenient time, it will.  No one wants to be stuck on the side of the road unprepared, regardless of rain, snow or heat.  Although you can’t prepare for everything, here are some things you can keep in the car to make those unexpected stops shorter, and more comfortable.

• Cell phone charger – More than likely, you’ll have your cell phone with you when you walk out the door, but is it fully charged?  If you are stopped unexpectedly, you’ll want to have a charged cell phone to call for help. 
• Tire changing tools – If you have a flat tire, you’ll need to know where the jack in your car is located.  You will also need a wheel key, wrench, flat board and wheel chock.  Also, be sure to check your spare tire regularly to be sure it’s ready to be used.
• First Aid Kit – You’ll want to make sure that you have a fully stocked first aid kit in your car: gloves, band-aids, reflective heating blanket, cooling packs, basic over-the-counter medications, and specific family medications (i.e. inhalers, epi-pen, etc).
• 3 Reflective Warning Triangles – These will be helpful both during night and daylight hours.  Warning Triangles, will help increase your visibility as you are pulled off to the side of the road.  They can also be spread out to warn other vehicles to give you some extra space.
•  Jumper cables – Hopefully anyone who stops to help you would already have jumper cables in their car, but if we’re going on Murphy’s Law, they probably won’t.  It’s always safer to keep a set of jumper cables in your car so if you need them, you’ll know you have them.  Then not only will you be able to use them if your car needs help starting, but you’ll also have them to help others.
•  Flashlight – If you are stranded at night, you’ll need a flashlight to be able to see anything under the hood or to change a tire.  Also be sure to have a set of extra batteries, just in case.
•  Blanket – A blanket can help regardless of the weather.  It can help keep you warm in the winter, or on a cool night.  It can provide shade during the hot summer months.  It can also be a ground cover in case you have to look underneath the car.

These items are most critical.  You should also be sure to include water, nonperishable snacks, and a radio.  These items will help in many emergencies.  We can’t always be sure we’ll have everything we need, but getting started and working on it a little bit at a time, will ease the burden if you are in an emergency situation.