An important aspect of being a responsible driver is being prepared for any kind of problem that might occur while you're on the road. Dealing with an unexpected crisis means preparing in advance as best as you can. This is why, equipping your car with the necessary supplies for such situations can go a long way in ensuring you and your family stay safe.
Preparing the Essentials for Your Kit
Preparing the kit is surprisingly easy, and you can DIY one right in your garage. Below we have listed all the items you will need in your kit, so just check and pack up all of these, and you'll be good to go!First Aid Kit
Having first aid supplies in your kit is absolutely essential as they will help you deal with medical emergencies quickly. From minor injuries and sickness to more serious situations like a car accident, having the necessary items to attend to these issues, even at a basic level, can make a huge difference.In case of an accident in a state like Tennessee, where you only have a one-year period to report the accident, you may need to contact a Portland accident attorney to help you with any legal issues. To make sure you're prepared for any injuries that may occur from an accident, your kit should be well-equipped.
For your car safety kit, you can either purchase a premade first aid kit from a pharmacy, or you can customize one based on you and your family's needs:
- Bottle of disinfectant
- Multi-sized gauze dressings
- Bandages
- Cleansing wipes
- Safety pins
- Scissors
- Tweezers
- Sterile disposable gloves
- Painkillers
- Antiseptic cream
- Inhaler
- Sticky tape
- Insect repellent spray or cream
- Bug bite cream
- Thermometer
- Antihistamine meds
- Eye wash
- Rash treatment
Vehicle Supplies
Car-related emergencies can occur at any time, and if you're not prepared, you might find yourself stranded on the road with no help in sight. A flat tire, failed brakes, or dead battery are all issues that you might run into, so having the necessary tools ready in your kit to deal with such situations could save you a lot of time. With these items in your kit, you’ll be ready for any unexpected repairs that your car may need on the road:- Multipurpose tool kit
- Tire pressure gauge
- Wheel wrench
- Spare tire
- Air pump
- Tripod jack
- Jumper cables
- Towing strap or chain
- Spill-free gas can
- Motor oil
- Antifreeze
- Car battery charger
- Heavy duty tape
- Heavy duty gloves
Survival Items
For cases such as unexpected road blocks or bad weather, you should also have survival supplies ready to go so you don't end up stranded with nothing to sustain yourself. If you often travel with your pets, then pack up some stuff for them as well. While everyone has different needs and should customize their kit according to that, here are some necessary items that you can start with:- At least 3 gallons of drinking water
- Canned food
- Can opener
- Waterproof matches
- Salty snacks like nuts, granola or trail mix
- Protein bars
- Blanket
- Paper towels
- Cell phone charger
- Flashlight
- Portable GPS
- Road map
- Compass
- Spare batteries
- Emergency flares
- Duct tape
- Pet food
Harsh Weather Supplies
Getting stranded in the middle of a storm or during winter can be a dangerous affair. While you should completely avoid going out if such conditions are expected, the weather can be quite unpredictable. The smart thing to do is to be prepared for such situations and having your winter car kit stocked up with the necessary weather supplies can make the difference between life and death.- Portable heater
- Tarp
- Ice scraper
- Rain ponchos
- Sand bag for traction
- Hand/foot warmers
- Rain ponchos
- Portable fan
- Sunblock
- Winter/summer hats
Preparing Need-Specific Items
With the essentials out of the way, you can start looking at more personalized items that you may need based on your budget, situation, number of travel partners, and available trunk space. Here are some additional supplies that you can include in your kit to be extra safe:Baby and Pet Items
Having some essential items for your little ones on hand in case of emergencies can save the day:- Formula
- Sterilized bottles
- Diapers
- Diaper cream
- Baby wipes
- Baby toys
- Pet food
- Feeding bowl
- Leash
- Chew toy
Sanitation Essentials
While basic sanitation items aren't the first thing you'll think of when packing up your kit, you'll be thankful you have them in times of need. Here's some essentials you can add to your kit:- Pack of toilet paper
- Hand sanitizer
- Wipes
- Feminine hygiene products
- Multi-sized zipper bags for trash and wet items
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