Roadside Emergency Kit Prep Tips

When traveling by car, you must be sure to be prepared for any accidents or car problems that may arise. The best way to prepare for these events is to pack a kit for roadside emergencies. This is especially important if you are traveling with children or through areas known for extreme conditions. Use the following guide as you pack an emergency kit for your car.

Make sure that you pack road flares so that your car will be visible if it is along the road. Also be sure to include jumper cables in your kit. You never know when you are going to have a dead battery, so being prepared is best.

A spare tire that is not in good condition is not going to be any good to you. Many travelers forget to check the condition of the spare tire before hitting the road and when the time comes to use it, they find that it is flat or dry-rotted. Keep a can of Fix-A-Flat in the compartment with the spare tire so you have the option of inflating the tire to get somewhere that is safer than on the roadside to put the spare on.

A flashlight with extra batteries must be included in your kit. You do not want to be stranded on a country road without any light to see where you are going or what you are doing to get the car back on the road.

Pack some energy snacks and bottled water. You may find yourself stranded for long periods of time and you need to have the means to feed yourself and stay hydrated. Be sure to include enough to care for everyone traveling with you for at least three days.

A good first aid kit is essential. Make sure that it includes everything that you might need to tend to cuts and abrasions along the road. It should have instant ice packs, gauze, Neosporin, rubbing alcohol and peroxide among many other things. You can never have too many first aid supplies when in an accident.

Pack enough emergency blankets for everyone that is traveling with you. Even the hottest climates can quickly drop temperature when the sun goes down. If you have limited space in your car, look for the shiny silver emergency blankets that will keep you warm but do not take up much space.

If you are traveling into climates where snow is a possibility, be sure to pack some snow shovels and cat litter or rock salt. You will be glad that you have them if your car slides off the road and gets stuck in the snow.

There is always the chance that you could get stranded along the road while you are traveling by car. The causes of stranding vary from car problems to a multi-car pile up on the Interstate. Being prepared for anything will lessen the anxiety you experience as you make your way from your home to your destination and back. Using this guide is a great way to prepare for any situation you may face during your travels.