We’ve all had them. You can’t be too prepared for them and now, with a little time and investment, you can rest assured that the next time you suffer from an emergency on the road, you will be just a little more prepared.

Emergency kits are popular in the home. In the event of a power outage, we all know where the candles are. But what do you do in the case of a car emergency?  A do-it-yourself emergency kit will do the trick. While there are loads of emergency kits available in stores, why not create one that is personalized to your needs.

When deciding what to put in your emergency car kit, keep in mind your needs. In an emergency situation, entertainment is not necessary but many other things are. Things like safety, hydration, communication, nutrition, first aid and mechanical assistance. With these categories in mind, find a durable bag that can be easily stored and utilized in the trunk of your car. Preferably a waterproof bag. Here is a list of useful items that should find their way into that emergency kit.

If you are in the midst of an emergency while driving, safety is your number one concern. Pack the following to help secure safety in an unsafe environment.

• Fire Extinguisher
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Waterproof Matches and candles
• Empty Gas Can
• Spare change
• Blanket

Hydration is only an issue if you become stranded in a remote area. If you are planning to travel to areas such as these, it’s important to pack water.  Refillable water bottles are wise but also pack a water filtration system in case you come across undrinkable water.

In a car emergency, communication is very important. Being stranded or broke down in the middle of nowhere doesn’t have to be that scary. Keep a charged cell phone in your car at all times.  Also, pack a

• Compass
• Flares
• A crank radio
• Roadmaps

Next on the list of concerns during a car emergency, and certainly something you’ll want to consider when packing your emergency car kit, is nutrition. A few cans of food and a can opener will go a long way if you find yourself on the road for any length of time without access to nutrition.

First aid may be needed during a car emergency and that’s why it’s so important to include a first aid kit in your emergency car kit. Keep it stocked with:

• Gauze bandages
• Antiseptic wipes
• CPR Mask
• Sunscreen
• Burn ointment
• Bug bite ointment
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Pain relievers

If your emergency is mechanical, you will want to make sure you have the following:

• A litre of motor oil
• Foam time sealant
• Spare tire and jack
• Jumper cables
• Fuses
• Windshield washer fluid
• Tire Guage

If this all seems like too much to pack into one bag, you’re probably right. Assess your own needs, the climate you live and drive in and how much you drive. Pick and choose according to your needs. In the event that you never have an emergency while driving, count your blessings and take comfort in the fact that you are prepared for the worst. Read some of our other Car Safety Blogs here.