Preparing Your Car for an Emergency

You never know when an emergency is going to happen. With the amount of time we spend in our cars, it's important to be prepared for an emergency when we are driving. This is a guide about preparing your car for an emergency.

Solutions: Preparing Your Car for an Emergency

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Keep Emergency Clothes in Your Car

Emergency clothing and shoes in cardboard box.

I live in Salem, Oregon and even though we have four seasons most of the time, we have had our share of bad weather. I was also stuck in the Chicago Storm of the Century in January/Feb and literally could not get out my home doors. I was luckier than some who were stuck in their cars overnight and could not go home.

I have also lived in Alaska. I don't need to tell most of you that you don't leave the house without half of it with you. Spark plugs, tires, coats, fuses, food, water, all of it is essential.

So, unless you live in the southern part of the US, you might want to look at your emergency stash in the car. This is a good idea for the house, but when you are stranded, you are vulnerable.

Today, was our first storm of the season. I put together a clothing emergency kit and the rest will be in come payday. Sometimes, just an extra pair of socks, shoes, pants, or sweater can make the difference. Gloves, earmuffs, water, vitamins, water proof matches, and more are all good to keep in sealed bags or containers to keep them water proof and clean.

All the other things you need, you know you need. But people tend to forget clothing, so this might help.

This site is just one from Google that might help.

http://www.beprepared.com/article.asp?ai=28

Source: Necessity is essential to keep ahead of disaster.

By Sandi from Salem, OR

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Emergency Car Kit

You never know when you could break down in bad weather and eventhough you have a cell phone, you never know how long it will be until the tow truck will be there. So here are somethings you should keep in a plastic tub in your trunk:

Tea light candles
Flashlight for signaling help
Polar fleece blankets
Some bottled water
Beef Jerky or other high protein snack
Jumper Cables
A couple of hazard reflectors to mark where your car is.
A small box of Thermal care neck size patches for putting on your self or your children if you are in sub zero temps.
Books to read to your children

If you have a baby:

Extra diapers
Some concentrated baby formula
Extra bottles

This kit should get you through any sticky situation you may have.

By Debra in Colorado

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Keep a Blanket in your Car for Emergencies

I find that keeping a blanket in your car for emergencies is a wonderful idea. I used to keep a sleeping bag when I lived in areas that would have snow in the winter for warmth.

Now that I live in Florida, I still carry a blanket. Not because it is too cold here, but if you are stranded, you can spread the blanket to sit down on the ground instead of sitting in your hot vehicle. If you run across someone injured and in possible shock, you have a blanket. If it is raining and you have to walk in the rain, it will offer a little bit of help. Also if you get wet or dirty, you can sit on the blanket to protect the inside of your car.

I got lucky and found three pretty little throws at my Goodwill that say "Freedom is not free." I keep them drapped over the back seat of my SUV.

By Kimberly from Lakeland, FL

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Carry an Emergency Kit in Your Car

My friend was stranded in her car last evening when she went to use her cell phone it was dead. She told me she was so thankful she had listened to her Dad's advice which I decided to pass along to you for yourself or someone you care about.

These are must haves for your car: A blanket, flashlight, gallon of unopened spring water, antifreeze, an extra quart of oil and jumper cables. You need to know where your spare is, and MAKE sure you have a jack. Of course there's other items like a first aid kit, flares, and reflective triangle.

Use a moving crate to keep all your goods in. The new dry gas will get you about 20 miles, expensive but worth it if you are stuck without gas! Hope I have helped someone!

Oh and one more thing, she learned last evening; have a cell phone charger in your car. If your cell phone is working, there is a Road side assistance 800# on the back of your TX driver's license. I would hope all states offer that.

By Bobbie from Rockwall, TX

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Questions

Here are questions related to Preparing Your Car for an Emergency.

Putting Together an Auto Emergency Kit

I want to keep an auto emergency kit. What are your suggestions for things to go in it? Thanks!

By MTeel

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Most Recent Answer

By Carrie108/05/2012

Once I was driving on a very icy secondary road by my house, and I could not get up the hill. Because I was coming from grocery shopping I just happened to have a can of table salt in my car, so I sprinkled some of the salt on the ice and I was able to get past the patch and to my house. A little bit of road salt or sand kept in a coffee can might not be a bad thing to keep in your trunk, if you live in a snowy place.

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