For most, a large amount of time each day is spent inside our vehicles. Each time we sit behind the wheel, our chances of becoming involved in an emergency situation increases. Being prepared for those situations is key in preventing a bad day from becoming worse. The following list contains ten must-have items for your car.
It is safe to say that most have experienced coming to their car only to discover a dead battery. For such a common experience, it is surprising how many drivers do not carry this essential item. Make sure that the wires are at least gauge six or larger.
At some point, you will have a flat tire. While it is best to carry a spare and equipment to change it, you may find yourself unable or unwilling to do so. This is a quick fix to plug most leaks long enough to get to a repair shop.
Ever tried to attach battery cables or change a flat in the dark? This item will help with those tasks as well as assist you in finding something under the seat. Since batteries drain over time you may want to get one of the hand-crank types of lights.
It’s harder to see things at night, including broken down vehicles or people on the side of the road. To help other motorists see you at night, stay safe by carrying three reflective triangles or flares. Space them 50′ apart to help keep you and others safe.
It is surprising what uses you will find for duct tape in an emergency situation. You can perform temporary fixes to broken hoses, lights, and windows. You could even use it for first-aid situations like helping to close a wound.
Keeping hydrated is something that most people do not think about when they drive from place to place. But once they are stranded hydration becomes a high priority. Water can also become useful for sanitation purposes, including cleaning an open wound. Carry at least a gallon in your trunk at all times.
Just like water, food is something that is overlooked as we drive around each day. The moment that you get stranded, food becomes another important item to have on hand to keep you sustained until help arrives. Make sure to carry things like energy bars, granola bars, dried fruit or even some MREs.
You will thank yourself later for having one of these in your vehicle. From keeping yourself warm when the temperature drops to providing shade when you are trying to stay out of sunlight, a blanket can save your life. If you carry a mylar blanket, you will save space and be able to use it to shelter from the rain or collect rainwater in a pinch!
This is an item you never want to use but never want to be without! Make sure that the container that you use is waterproof and that it contains items like Band-Aids, adhesive tape, gauze, aspirin, antiseptic wipes, and antiseptic cream or ointment. Customize it with any extra items that are specific to you or your family’s health and well being.
While it is always best to carry a box with tools in it, this item is something that all vehicles should have in their glove box. They can help smash windows or cut seatbelts in emergencies. They also usually have handy extras on them like cutters, pliers, screwdrivers, and scissors.
After spending his secondary years of study at The McCallie School in Chattanooga, G Turner Howard III earned his BA at Tulane University. A member of the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association, he received his law degree from the University of Tennessee College of Law. Before becoming an attorney, he earned a Master’s and Doctor of Divinity at Andrews Theological Seminary and Columbia Theological Seminary. He also served as a 1st Lieutenant in the US Army in Vietnam. With more than 20 years of experience, his firm has helped clients receive millions of dollars for personal injury, and in many cases, much faster than they ever expected.
