Road-side Emergency Kit: Items Every Vehicle Should Have

You can never be too careful when it comes to your safety. This is a list of some items that I feel every car should have inside in case something were to happen. Being prepared is the first step of staying safe. Every vehicle should have an emergency kit of some kind. I will list off each item you should have and why you should have it.

Flashlight: A flashlight is a great tool to have for a number of reasons. Anywhere you are and it is dark, you can have a light at your fingertips to help you see your way. If you car loses power from the battery, you are sitting in the dark. A light will be able to help someone find you. It can also be used to blind an attacker and give you that extra moment to escape. Make sure you have extra batteries for it also.

Water: Having some water in your vehicle is a great idea for the fact that if you get stranded somewhere, you can stay hydrated. Dehydration is a serious problem. You can also use the water if your vehicle overheats and is low on coolant in the summer months.

Non perishable food: Choose foods that will not spoil such as energy bars. These will help keep your energy up and keep you alive.

First Aid Kit: A first aid kit is a must have. A good first aid kit can treat minor wounds like burns, bug bites and stings, and cuts. You don't want to get an infection or a wound that does not't want to stop bleeding without a first aid kit if you are not near a hospital.

Weatherproof lighter: A lighter can be used to start a fire if you get lost and stranded. A fire will keep you warm, cook food, and can be seen from the sky if someone is searching for you. I recommend a weatherproof lighter because you can light even in very windy situations.

Blanket: Much like the lighter, a blanket will keep you warm. Even if your vehicle is still operational, you do not want to fall asleep with it running. Carbon dioxide gas can kill you. So you need another way to stay warm.

Jumper cables: A must have in case your battery dies. Not everyone will have a pair to help you jump start your car, so if you have them, anyone can now help you jump start your car.

Flares: You should have flares to place on the side of the road in case you break down so other motorists can see you. These can also be used to start a fire.

Tool kit: A tool kit with some common tools in it is a good idea to have. You should have the right tools to change a flat tire. I also recommend a multi-purpose knife and a small shovel. The knife can help do a number of tasks such as cut away a stuck seat belt, cut small limbs for fire starters, etc. A shovel will come in handy if you get stuck in the snow or mud.

Extra set of clothes: You never know when you might get wet from the rain or snow. To stay warm and dry, it is a good idea to have an extra set of clothes with you in the car. You do not want to catch hypothermia.

All of these items can be stored nicely in a very small space. These are all must have items to help you be safe in most situations. You can pick up pre-built emergency kits at most auto stores or you can build one yourself. This is cheap insurance that will help you if ever get stuck in a bad situation. Every vehicle should have an emergency kit.