How to make an emergency 72-hour car kit
If
you’ve ever taken a winter road trip, you know how quickly the road
conditions can change.
The winds can kick up, and suddenly the snow is
blowing across the pavement,
making the lanes difficult to see, and the
potential for black ice to increase.
The key to driving in the winter is
to be prepared, and the best way to do that
is by creating an emergency
kit for your car. Here are some things to include:
1. Shovel
A shovel comes in handy if your vehicle becomes stuck.
Credit: Tim Lenz
2. Spare tire, lug wrench and jack,
The
last thing you want to deal with when you’re stranded in your vehicle
is a flat tire,
and the jack or lug wrench is nowhere to be found. Make
sure the tire is full and in
good condition, and the jack is well lubed.
Credit: Kurt Nordstrom
3. Rope, bungee cords and tie downs
Make sure there are no knots, and the cords are in good condition.
Credit: turbo.beagle
4. Portable radio
A portable radio comes in handy when severe weather strikes.
Find one that is battery operated or uses a crank.
Credit: Daniel X. O’Neil
5. Flashlight
Spend a few extra bucks to get a decent flashlight that can illuminate
a good distance.
Credit: Darron Birgenheier
6. Extra batteries
Have an assortment of extra batteries on hand, including AAA, AA and 9v.
Credit: Sh4rp_i
7. Road flares
You can buy road flares at any auto parts store or department store.
Credit: Dvortygirl
8. Ice scraper
An ice scraper with a brush on the end can help you clear snow from
your car during a blizzard.
Credit: Highways Agency
9. Jumper cables
You never know when you’ll need jumper cables, or when you drive
by someone else who does!
10. Portable power source
You can find a portable power supply like this one on Amazon.
11. Orange/Yellow safety vest
When whiteout conditions exist, you need to make every effort to be seen.
12. Notebook and pen
If you need to leave your car during a storm, you can write down
your personal information.
13. Cash
If severe weather strikes and phone or internet lines go down, paying cash
for gasoline might be your only option.
14. Lighter or matches
Pair these with an emergency candle.
15. Microfiber towels
Microfiber is super absorbent, and can handle spills (or wet hands)
before they turn to ice.
16. First aid kit
A well-stocked first aid kit is a must for any winter driving.
17. Toilet paper or tissues
If you have kids, you’ll be glad you included these.
18. Emergency contact information
If you get stranded in a snowstorm, write your family and friends’
contact information down for first responders.
19. Warm clothing
Include fleece jackets, outer shells, thermal underwear, wool socks
and extra gloves.
20. Thermal blanket
You can pick up a reflective blanket at any department or outdoor
equipment store.
21. Water bottle
A good, sturdy water bottle like a Nalgene container will store water
without leaking.
22. Water purifier
If you need to fill your water bottle from a nearby river or lake,
a water purifier or filtration system should remove a majority of the contaminates.
Credit: Rubbermaid Products
23. Snacks
Include granola bars and other non-perishable items for food.
Credit: SweetOnVeg
24. Small fire extinguisher
A small fire extinguisher can help you avoid an even bigger disaster,
if your engine overheats.
Credit: miningold
25. Extra medication
Along with your regular prescriptions, include medicine for headaches
and other minor ailments.
Credit: e-MagineArt.com
Featured image credit: akzidenzsetzer
