How to Put Together a Travel Emergency Kit

Basic essentials for a travel emergency kit in your vehicle should include fresh drinking water, some non-perishable food snacks, flashlights, road flares, cell phone and charger, first aid kit, some miscellaneous tools, blankets and jumper cables. Whenever traveling in conditions that could become hazardous, you need proper clothing and enough supplies for everyone riding in your vehicle.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Basic first aid kit
• Tool kit
• Blanket
• Water
• Flashlights

How to Put Together a Travel Emergency Kit

1. Keep a shovel in the trunk to get your vehicle out of snow or mud. Many drivers use kitty litter or carpet remnants for traction to help in such situations.
2. Invest in an LED flashlight for your vehicle. This is a longer-lasting, more reliable light source than a battery-operated model. LEDs use less power, thereby conserving energy and providing emergency lighting for a longer period. Many LED flashlights are waterproof as well.
3. Carry a radio with a crank handle in your vehicle to save battery power in the event of an emergency. You won’t have to worry about electrical power or batteries when traveling.
4. Purchase a small fire extinguisher to carry in your vehicle. According to the National Fire Protection Association, hundreds of lives are lost each year in vehicle-related fires.
5. Include duct tape or electrical tape in a small emergency tool kit in your vehicle. A socket-style screwdriver with multiple bits is a better choice than a regular screwdriver, and a pair of medium-size vise grip pliers is a must as well. And don’t forget the pry bar. Any one of these tools may come in handy in the event of an emergency along the roadway.

Tips & Warnings

• If you find yourself unable to continue on the road because of severe weather, be prepared for the possibility of spending a night in your vehicle. Whenever traveling during cold-weather months, ask yourself whether the clothing that you are wearing will keep you warm if your vehicle is your only shelter from the elements.