WEATHERING THE STORM: THE 10 ITEMS YOU NEED IN YOUR CARE IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY.

1-CELL PHONE

Unless you have the necessary tools or equipment for a quick patch, you are going to need help. Walking 25 miles to the closest rest stop isn’t a very promising option and standing in the middle of the road waving your hands in the air probably isn’t the safest bet so why not drive with confidence knowing that there is a prepaid, fully charged phone in your glove box.

2-TRIANGLES & FLARES

Sitting in your car (or standing next to it) on the side of a major highway can be incredibly dangerous, especially at night. Reflective triangles and road flares will ensure that other drivers see you and your vehicle and proceed with caution. These particular devices will also encourage rescue personnel or passersby to check in with you and may lead to quicker assistance. The last thing you want when stranded on the side of the road is for everyone to pass by thinking you’re making a pit stop. Let people know where you are and that you need help.

3-JUMPER CABLES

The most common reason a car stops is because the battery is dead. Save yourself some panic by keeping a set of jumper cables in the truck. We recommend cables that are at least 12-feet long (you never know how big the next car to come by will be or how far away it will have to be from you for the jump). More than anything make sure you know how to use them! Jumper cables are relatively simple, but can be dangerous if used improperly. Be informed and be in control of the situation. A passerby who stops to help may be more clueless than you so don’t assume that they can offer any more help than turning on their car to give you a jump.

4-FLASHLIGHT

People rely on smartphones so heavily know for things like a quick light source that they forget that there are devices specifically for that purpose. Save your battery life by keeping a flashlight and batteries in your car. Even if you are stuck during the day, the additional light source will help when you pop open your hood and start peeking around for obvious problems. It will also come in handy if you need to do any work on your stopped car like changing a flat tire.

5-FOOD

Now no one expects you to offer a gourmet dining experience in your vehicle but it is vital to keep some basic meal replacements in your car in case of an emergency. Granola bars, power bars, crackers and peanut butter, and other similar snacks are compact, withstand long periods of extreme temperature and can be very filling. Having these will ensure you stay alert and upbeat even if you are stuck waiting for a tow for a couple of hours.

6-WATER

At least a gallon. Water is essential for your body especially if you are going to be stuck for a long period or even a short period under the hot sun. A gallon of water costs less than a latte and can fit easily in the corner of your trunk.

7-BLANKET

You might get stuck somewhere cold. You might get stuck at night. You might need to sit on the ground near your car for three hours while someone fixes it. You might need to sleep in your car. You might need to have an impromptu picnic with the granola bars you already packed to pass the time. Whatever the reason, having a blanket in your car is never a bad idea and it will certainly be useful in an emergency.

8-PAD AND PEN

There is literally no emergency situation where a pad and pen will not be useful. If you’re in an accident, you need to collect insurance information and jot down notes of what happened. If you’re lost, you will need to take down directions, and if you’re just stuck, a pad and pen are essential in keeping you sane. Pass the time with a game of tic-tac-toe or hangman so you and your passengers don’t spend the whole time counting down the minutes.

9-FIRST AID KIT

In case of an emergency you should always have a first aid kit. There is a reason that these often unused boxes are required everywhere people go so have one on hand. In addition to bandaging any minor scrapes, they include creams and salves in case you burn yourself on hot metal, ice packs to keep you cool in the sun and other things like medical tape which you can repurpose for your needs.

10-CASH OR CREDIT CARD

When you get into an unexpected emergency, don’t get completely stuck by having no form of payment. Cash is ideal, but if you are uncomfortable leaving an emergency stash in your car, tuck an emergency credit card in a secret compartment. Maybe the garage fixing your car will take a check but you might need food, gas, or a hotel room while your car is being fixed. Don’t worry if your back account is a little light from a recent bill, drive with confidence that you have 100 bucks available to you to hold you over in case of an emergency.