The National Safety Council recommends that you keep an emergency kit in your car at all times to protect yourself should something go wrong. The emergency kit should contain more than just supplies for your automobile; it should also have emergency supplies for you and your passengers. Cergizan’s Auto and Truck Repair will do our best to make sure your automobile never strands you on the side of the road, but we cannot control other emergencies such as accidents and severe weather.
Supplies for the Automobile
Let’s start with your car, truck, or utility vehicle. You can get yourself back on the road if the breakdown is simple. If not, you might need a tow truck. For simple repairs, make sure to put in the trunk
- Duct tape
- Empty fuel can
- Engine coolant (1 gallon)
- Fire extinguisher
- Ice scraper
- Jumper cables
- Lug nut wrench
- Motor oil (1 quart)
- Multipurpose tool kit
- Reflectors or flares
- Sand or cat litter
- Shovel
- Spare tire
- Tire chains
- Tire jack
- Windshield washer fluid
These emergency supplies help you fix your car or get it out of a slippery situation (sand or cat litter for traction) so you can get back on the road. They also alert other drivers than you’re in trouble.
Supplies for You and Your Passengers
Long travels on winter roads can leave you stranded and desperate. It’s important to prepare you and your passengers for emergencies, as well. Keep everyone warm and safe by packing
- A compass
- Blankets/warm clothing
- Car cell charger
- Drinking water
- First-aid kit
- Flashlight/batteries
- High-protein food that won’t perish
- Rain poncho(s)/boot(s)
- Reflective vest
- Paper/pen
- Roll of paper towels
- Swiss army knife
Write down emergency contacts and their phone numbers on a piece of paper and store it in the glove compartment. It’s also a good idea to keep a paper copy of your insurance and towing service numbers.
If you have a passenger in the car who suffers from medical troubles, write down his or her doctor’s information, as well. Don’t rely on your cell phone to store these numbers solely. If your battery dies, you and/or your rescuers won’t have access to the important phone numbers.
Call Cergizan’s Auto and Truck Repair in Chesterton, IN, for automotive service and repair to help prevent vehicle emergencies. Happy Thanksgiving everyone and stay safe out there if you’re driving over the long weekend.