Making a car emergency kit
Keeping an emergency kit in your vehicle is one step toward protecting you, your passengers and your vehicle. Consider these essentials when stocking your emergency auto kit.
First-aid supplies
Helpful things to include are adhesive bandages, antiseptic and antibiotic ointment, painkillers and wound-cleaning supplies.
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Food and water
If you get stuck while on the road, food and water could become essential. Before a longer trip, pack nonperishable food – like protein bars, dry cereal and other high-energy products – and bottled water.
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You should also be sure to keep a blanket in your
trunk in case you get stranded at night or in cold weather.
Auto supplies
Keep a spare tire and jack (if your vehicle doesn’t have them), jumper cables, road flares, an ice scraper, a portable cellphone charger, and sand or cat litter (to add traction for your tires if your vehicle gets stuck in the mud or snow).
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Entertainment
It may seem trivial, but if you’re stranded in your car, you might be looking for a way to pass the time. Consider packing a deck of cards or other form of entertainment to help stave off boredom until you can get back on your way.
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How to Pack an Emergency Kit, DMV.org, 2022.
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Food, Ready.gov, 2022.
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Car Safety, Ready.gov, 2021.
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What Should You Keep in the Car?, National Safety Council, 2022.
Important phone numbers
In an emergency, knowing who to call can help you get the assistance you need as quickly as possible. So keep the phone numbers for your auto insurance provider, a local towing company and your personal emergency contacts in your car.
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