What should be in your roadside emergency kit?
Think about this – you’re on a road trip, and your fears come true. Troubles with your car leave you stranded on the side of the road. Or you slide off an icy road into a snowbank in the middle of winter.
This is where a roadside emergency kit comes in handy. Here are some basics you should have just in case you find yourself on the side of the road. You should check your kit every six months and replace expired items regularly.
Flares and lighting
Flares and lighting warn other drivers of roadside hazards. Whether its flares or reflective triangles, they should be spaced out evenly behind your vehicle. You should also keep a flashlight with extra batteries. Along with flares and lighting, you should consider keeping a reflective vest in case you need to walk to get help.
Jumper cables
The battery in your car could die or lose juice. Jumper cables can at least help you get to the next service station. If you are unable to get a jump-start from another vehicle, consider a separate battery pack for starting your car.
First-aid kit
This is a must-have item in your emergency kit to help treat injuries and wounds from an accident. You can purchase a pre-packed kit or create your own. If you have children, consider including medications that are age appropriate. Make sure to pack enough medication for an extended period.
Car fluids and tools
You should include a can of tire inflator and sealant if you get a flat tire. Other items to consider are one quart or more of motor oil, one gallon of coolant, a toolkit, and a set of windshield wiper blades.
Car accessories for winter
If you’re driving in winter weather, consider including a snow brush, shovel, ice scraper, washer fluid and snow chains for your tires. You should also have cat litter or sand on hand for traction. Blankets, a sleeping bag, survival blanket, and warm clothes are important for warmth. Finally, keep bottled water and food such as energy bars or granola.
Other tools to consider
Some other essentials you may consider for your roadside emergency kit could include:
- Spare tire, jack and wheel wrench
- Fire extinguisher
- Duct tape
- Road maps (if your GPS and phone don’t have power)
- Emergency numbers such as family, auto insurance company and roadside assistance
- Rain poncho
- Battery-powered fan
- Hand/foot warmers or gloves
The information in this article was obtained from various sources not associated with Adirondack Bank. While we believe it to be reliable and accurate, we do not warrant the accuracy or reliability of the information. Adirondack Bank is not responsible for, and does not endorse or approve, either implicitly or explicitly, the information provided or the content of any third-party sites that might be hyperlinked from this page. The information is not intended to replace manuals, instructions or information provided by a manufacturer or the advice of a qualified professional, or to affect coverage under any applicable insurance policy. These suggestions are not a complete list of every loss control measure. Adirondack Bank makes no guarantees of results from use of this information.
