Every year, Americans spend hundreds of hours in their automobiles, and many will be involved in an emergency while operating their car. People should have a fully packed auto emergency kit on hand if something occurs.
Below we’ll discuss why it’s essential to keep a few emergency supplies on hand to tide you over until someone can come to your rescue during a disaster. We’ll also share the best supplies to have and why roadside assistance like AAA insurance is wise to purchase.
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Emergency Supplies: Why You Need Them in Your Car
Since you’re likely to be in the same location as your vehicle at all times, the automobile is a great spot to keep emergency supplies.
The roads may become dangerous or impassable if you’re away from home during a natural catastrophe. As you trek to a secure spot or meet up with loved ones, you may have to travel long miles and face harsh weather conditions.
A roadside incident that leaves you stuck in a remote area may be avoided if you carry emergency supplies in your vehicle. Even a personal disaster like a house fire could be a lot more bearable when you have an emergency supply kit in your car.
Below are seven critical items you should store in your car.
#1 – Drinking Water Stored in a Safe Container
Keep at least three days’ worth of water in your auto emergency pack. However, bottled water is not the most efficient or cost-effective method of preserving emergency water. Bottled water will last less than six months in your car due to the high temperatures.
Water may be kept fresh for longer by putting it in a glass or other container.
Having water purification pills in your survival pack is a good idea since they may be used to clean more water for drinking if you must trek to a safe spot.
#2 – Emergency Food
Having food in your vehicle that has been preserved is not enough. When it comes to prepackaged food, most of it won’t stay in the car for more than three months before it starts to go wrong.
A three-day supply of emergency food for each passenger in your vehicle should be included in your emergency automobile survival kit.
Food should be created with the appropriate nutrients and a recipe that does not cause thirst. The minimal amount of emergency food that should be kept in your car is enough to last three days.
#3 – Flashlights
It’s possible that you’ll have to go to a safe spot during or after a catastrophe and that there won’t be any street lights to guide you. Having emergency lights like flashlights in your vehicle is essential, but many people forget to update the batteries every six months.
You need a solar or hand-crank lantern light that never requires batteries in your survival gear. Due to the constraints of battery life, this is strongly advised.
Emergency flashlights and 12-hour light sticks may also be helpful. Plus, installing a fluorescent lantern provides an additional source of light.
#4 – Shelter Supplies
Having suitable emergency shelter materials on hand is essential if you ever find yourself stranded in your vehicle or on the roadside in the freezing weather. That’s why your car’s emergency preparation pack has to include materials for an emergency shelter.
According to experts, emergency thermal blankets for warmth, rain ponchos to shield you from the elements, and a tube tent for quick and simple protection should be included in every automobile survival kit.
Body warming pads are another item to have on hand in case of an emergency at home.
#5 – First-Aid Kit
Many people may be hurt if there is a large-scale calamity. It’s essential to have a well-stocked first-aid kit on hand in minor accidents or emergencies.
Keep a first-aid kit at your house and in a vehicle at all times. It’s best to keep your kits at a location that’s accessible yet out of the reach of youngsters. Make sure that kids who are old enough to understand the purpose of the kits are aware of their location.
Many drugstores sell pre-made first-aid kits, but you may also put your own together. Depending on your hobbies and requirements, you may wish to customize your gear.
#6 – Emergency Radio System
After a tragedy, you’ll need to know where to walk to get to safety. Having an emergency radio in your vehicle can help you avoid getting into a potentially deadly scenario.
Following a tragedy, it’s a good idea to listen to emergency broadcasts on an emergency radio. With a shelf life of just six months and an hour-long battery life, regular battery-powered emergency radios are severely restricted in their capabilities.
#7 – Roadside Repair Kit
It is perilous to be stuck on the road without any tools or car safety equipment. Passersby and oncoming vehicles might potentially injure you or your passengers while they’re waiting for you to get back up and running.
If you find yourself stuck in very hot or cold weather after a natural catastrophe, you might be in danger of death. That’s why you need to be self-reliant and maintain a roadside emergency kit in your vehicle.
Bonus – Emergency Supplies for Your Pet
Sadly, some families end up abandoning their pets when evacuating because of an emergency disaster. Packing emergency supplies in your vehicle could prevent you from having to make the tough decision of leaving your pet behind.
It could also make traveling with your pet a lot easier. Depending on whether you have a cat or a dog, your pet emergency kit may comprise the following items:
- Blankets and toys
- Bottled water
- Food and water dishes that collapse
- Harness, leash, and collar
- Litter pan and cat litter
- One to two weeks’ supply of pet food
- Pet life jacket and paws protectors.
Should I add roadside assistance to my insurance policy?
In the summer and winter, when you don’t want to be stranded on the side of the road for long, emergency road service calls rise.
When your automobile breaks down, having roadside help provides you with a feeling of security. When it comes to an automobile that’s prone to erratic behavior, peace of mind may be priceless.
The likelihood of a car breaking down in its 10th year or more is double that of a vehicle five years old or newer. The risk of an accident rises directly to the number of miles driven.
Remember that if you become stuck and don’t have roadside help, you should expect to spend roughly $100 or more for a towing service. And the cost of insurance or third-party vendor coverage is far lower, if not free altogether. You can easily learn how to do a VIN check to find insurance rates and roadside assistance coverage.
When putting your emergency kit together, remember that it’s better to be safe than sorry regarding price and security.
Imani Francies writes and researches for the insurance comparison site, ExpertInsuranceReviews.com. She enjoys helping others pack emergency supplies and find the best roadside insurance coverage so families can stay safe during a disaster.
