It happens to the best of us: our car breaks down, we run out of gas or we get lost and we’re stuck on the side of the road without anything to eat, keep us warm or help us get going again.
This is exactly why every car owner should keep emergency items in their car. These can be purchased as a pre-assembled kit and you can add items depending on the season and where you live. The kits take up just a little bit of space in the trunk of the car, and having one could really save the day.
Items that you should consider including in your kit are:
Non-perishable food, such as energy or granola bars. They won’t spoil but will fill you up.
Bottles of water. Be sure these are plastic so they won’t break if they freeze.
A warm blanket. It can be used to wrap yourself up in, or to clean up a spill.
A small shovel, scraper and snowbrush. All will be very handy in snowy conditions.
Candles and matches. These can be used to help keep you warm, or light the space in the dark.
A wind-up flashlight. You won’t have to worry about dead batteries to operate this.
A whistle can be used in case you need to attract attention.
Roadmaps of your local area, and anywhere you’re travelling to, should be kept in the car.
You should also consider keeping the following items in your kit as well:
Sand, salt or kitty litter to help your tires gain traction in ice and snow.
Antifreeze and windshield washer fluid, because you never know when you’re going to run out.
A tow rope can help pull you or another vehicle out of a tricky situation.
Jumper cables can be used to help start your car, or someone else’s with a dead battery.
Warning lights or road flares can be used to draw attention to your situation and help keep you safe.
For more information about emergency car kits, visit the Government of Canada’s Get Prepared website.
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