Emergency Preparedness: Car

This month we decided to get stuff for our car.
In our trunk we already have: a small first aid kit, toilet paper, an extra blanket, tire gauge, rags, extra container of water and a case of water bottles, extra container of motor oil, spare tire with jack, and jumper cables- all of which we have used.

On the website DMV.org I found this post: 

Outdoor Lodge recommends the following list of items:

• Flashlights and extra batteries.

• A folding camping (Army) shovel.

• Jumper cables (8-12 feet long).

• Set of tire chains. Know how to install these beforehand.

• Fuses. There are several types, so make sure you have the right ones for your car.

• Tools: pliers, flat and Phillips-head screwdrivers, and an adjustable wrench.

• Wool blanket.

• All the necessary fluids for your car, including 2 quarts of motor oil, brake fluid, power-steering fluid (if applicable), automatic transmission fluid (if applicable), a gallon of water, and a gallon of antifreeze. Also include a funnel, and keep a few rags handy in case of spills.

• Fire extinguisher.

• Road flares.

• Gloves, wool socks, and a pair of boots.

• Electrical and duct tape.

• WD-40.

• Knife.

• Bright cloth or emergency road sign to display in your window in case of trouble.

Other items to consider are:

• Non-perishable food items and a can opener

• Rain gear

• Extra clothes

• Folding chair(s)

• Pillows

• Sleeping bags

• Snacks

• Books and games

• Toilet paper

http://www.dmv.org/how-to-guides/emergency-kit.php

Other items I have seen from other websites are:

• cell phone charger
• cat litter (great for adding traction in winter- I have also used this!)
• windshield scrapper (I thought this was a given- in winter it is an essential everyday tool- unless your found of scrapping your windshield with a credit card)
• foam tire sealant
• tow straps

Read more: http://www.bankrate.com/finance/auto/20-must-haves-in-your-car-emergency-kit-1.aspx#ixzz3F5we0tMP

Once again with such a long list, we plan on getting just a few things at once and slowly building our car emergency kit.  Safe driving to you!