By Payton Tholstrup
Image courtesy of Canva
Winter weather is on the horizon and it’s important to prepare your car’s emergency kit ahead of time. Whether it’s a flat tire on a rural road, or a snowstorm that leaves you stranded, being equipped with basic supplies can make a huge difference.
The American Red Cross website shared several items that should be included in every vehicle’s emergency kit.
- A first aid kit (complete with adhesive bandages, antibiotic ointment, cotton swabs, hydrocortisone cream, latex or nitrile gloves, scissors, elastic bandages, antiseptic wipes, sterile gauze pads, instant cold packs, pain relievers, and tweezers)
- An emergency radio to stay up to date on emergency alerts if traditional communication is down
- A flashlight with extra batteries
- Jumper cables
- Water and non-perishable food such as granola bars and trail mix
- Blankets, warm clothing, and hand warmers
- A tire repair kit and inflator
- Road flares or reflective triangles to stay visible to other drivers
- Portable power bank to ensure your phone stays charged, even if your car’s battery is drained.
- Shovel in case you need to dig your vehicle out of snow and sand to provide traction and get tires unstuck
Taking a few minutes now to stock your vehicle with these essentials (if you haven’t already) can prevent a minor inconvenience from turning into an emergency later.
