Creating Your Own Car Emergency Kit

No matter how well you take care of your vehicle, you can’t predict when car trouble might happen. Breakdowns or flat tires can happen at any time, as can car accidents. And, here in California, there’s always the possibility of Mother Nature throwing us a curveball with the threat of wildfires, mudslides, or earthquakes. Our vehicles should be prepped at all times for any kind of emergency.

Pre-packaged emergency kits are a good idea, but we like to just use them as a starting point. Usually they just have the basics and they’re not tailored to every type of person or family. So, if you’re using a store-bought roadside assistance kit, don’t just toss it in the trunk unopened until you need it. Open it up so you can see what’s in it. Tailor it for yourself personally. Do you really need that ice scraper in Los Angeles? Maybe add some extra dog treats for your pet instead.

The biggest benefit of creating your own roadside emergency kit is that in the event of a car accident or natural disaster, you’ll know exactly what you have in it. Remember, the overall purpose of having a car emergency kit is not to be able to fully repair your car yourself, but to be able to survive and take care of yourself and loved ones until help can arrive.

Keep these items in your emergency kit

• First aid kit. Include items like:
  • Band-Aids
  • Hand sanitizer or antiseptic
  • Antibiotic ointment
  • Bug spray
  • Aspirin/ibuprofen
  • Cotton balls
  • Gauze pads
  • Tweezers
  • Bandana (for a tourniquet or sling)
  • Ace bandage
• Car-sized fire extinguisher
• Road flares
• Jumper cables
• Ponchos
• Tarp
• Flashlight (with batteries!)
• Cell phone charger
• Duct tape
• Multipurpose tool
• Baby wipes/rags
• Tire gauge
• Foam tire sealant for flats
• Gloves
• Drinking water/non-perishable snacks (don’t forget your pets!)
• Blanket and/or warm clothing (if you’re stuck in cold weather)

Storing your emergency kit

Your trunk is the best place to keep your roadside emergency kit. If you have a hatchback-type vehicle or a truck, try using bungee cords so it doesn’t slide around or come loose during your everyday driving. When packing your kit, here are some tips to keep everything organized and easily accessible:

• Use a clear, plastic container (like a Rubbermaid-type) with a locking lid
• Place items neatly inside, with all items in sight if possible, so they’re easy to see and grab
• Make a list of all the items and tape it to the outside of the container
• Check regularly for items that expire and replace them, and if you use anything, replace it as soon as possible

Here at Taylor & Ring, we want our clients to be safe out on the road. However, if you do get into a car accident, our attorneys are here to help. We work with people just like you in the Los Angeles area to get the compensation they’re owed for accidents due to the negligence of others. Contact our legal team today at 310.776.6390 or complete our contact form to schedule a consultation.