Life throws us curve balls. One minute, we're headed to a football game and the next, we're sitting on the side of the road with a flat tire. Whether it's merely an "inconvenient emergency" like a flat tire or an accident that has you stuck somewhere, it's always handy to have an emergency kit in your car.
Today, we're giving you a list of essentials to put in your In Case of Emergency (ICE) car kit. You may not be able to prepare for every imaginable emergency, but a kit like this can save the day if something happens to you or if you choose to stop and help someone. If you have a child, who is beginning to drive or going off to college, put a kit together for them, and explain each item's purpose.
In Case of Emergency (ICE) Car Kit Essentials
You can fill your emergency kit with essentials or create an arsenal. The choice is yours. We highly recommend knowing your route, assessing the weather conditions of your area, and plan according to your needs. Store all items securely in the trunk of your car and in a sturdy container.
- Buy or create your own basic first aid kit with items like tweezers, sterile dressings, antibacterial ointment, and band aids in different sizes. If you want to be over-prepared, consider packing a thermometer, disposable ice packs, and any routine medications your family takes assuming they won’t be compromised by weather conditions in the car.
- Pack a basic tool kit for small car repairs including screwdrivers, an ice scraper, a collapsible shovel, brake and wiper fluid, antifreeze, a tire gauge, jumper cables, work gloves, and perhaps extra oil for your car.
- Road flares or cones are useful in case you need to alert oncoming traffic of your presence on or near the road.
- A bright waterproof flashlight can come in handy in many scenarios!
- A few bottles or a jug of water can be helpful not only to cool an engine, but if you get stuck for a length of time where you need water.
- Pack snacks that won’t go bad or be affected by weather. For example, nuts, granola bars, dried fruit, dry cereal, or jerky can make great snacks if you are stuck without access to food.
- Paper towels or wet wipes can be useful to clean up messes.
- Pack extra clothes or blankets if you get caught at night with dropping temperatures.
- Consider adding disposable vomit bags to your essentials kit as well. You never know when a stomach bug or food poisoning might strike!
- Pack an external charger for your phone. In an emergency, your phone battery might die, and it will be a lifesaver to be able to give it an extra charge.
- Cash. Consider putting up to $100 cash in your kit before long trips away from home. You never know when you might be in a crunch. Maybe you left your wallet at home and you need gas, or maybe you simply needed to pay someone cash for a car part or help in an emergency.
- Other non-essential things like disposable toothbrushes, sunscreen, stain remover, pain reliever, hand sanitizer, tissues, and an extra pair of comfortable shoes might come in handy in the normal hustle and bustle of routine life.
You may find that you don’t need everything on the list above. While it’s impossible to predict when we might need items like this, it’s worth it to spend time and money to be as prepared as possible.
Heading out on a road trip? Here are some maintenance tips you should conduct before you leave.
What You Should do if Your Car Breaks Down
Here are a few tips to help if your car breaks down.
Pull off to the side of the road.
Get your vehicle to the side of the road quickly and safely. If you're ever in doubt that you might be struck from behind or the side of the car, get yourself out of the vehicle.
Grab your location.
When you call for help, they will need information about where you are stranded. Look for major exit signs, mile markers, or nearby businesses that might help identify where you're stranded.
Turn on your hazard lights.
Keep yourself safe by turning on your hazard lights. It will indicate to other motorists that you are idle and to proceed with caution around you.
Call for assistance.
Serious or severe injuries require 911 assistance. Flat tires and other issues can be helped by calling roadside assistance.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident, call Bart Durham today to schedule your free consultation.