How To Make an Emergency Roadside Kit in 6 Steps
No one plans to be stuck on the side of the road while running errands or commuting, but one in three U.S. drivers will experience a vehicle breakdown in any given year.
The most common types of roadside emergencies include:
- Flat tire
- Dead battery
- Running out of gas
- Getting locked out of your car
Fortunately, preparing a roadside emergency kit can make a frustrating or even scary situation a little easier. These kits are especially important during winter, when slippery, icy or snowy conditions can increase your likelihood of sliding off the road and getting stuck.
Here's how to stay prepared and create your own roadside emergency kit.
1. Gather Your Essential Emergency Items
Gear to change a flat tire
A good place to start with your emergency roadside kit is tools to replace a flat tire. To change a flat, you'll need:
Get familiar with the equipment and consider practicing how to change a tire at home. You don't want your first time to be on the side of a busy highway.
Jumper cables
Another common and easily remedied problem is a dead battery. Always have a pair of 12-foot jumper cables, and practice connecting the cables safely to jump-start your battery.
Other vehicle essentials
Keeping these items in your vehicle can help you prepare for emergencies:
- Tire repair kit and compressor for inflating a tire without needing to change it entirely
- Tow strap in case you go off the road
- Fire extinguisher in case there's a blaze
- Multi-tool for making minor repairs
- Flares or visibility triangles to increase visibility when you're on the shoulder
- Duct tape for temporary emergency repairs
- Pencil and paper to write down directions
- Copies of insurance and registration
Personal safety items
You'll also want certain items on hand to keep you and your passengers safe, especially if you're on a long trip or traveling through remote areas. These include:
- Neon high-visibility vest
- Work gloves
- First aid kit
- Essential medications for your family (and formula for infants)
- Backup cell phone chargers
- Shelf-stable food
- Water bottles
- Medical masks
- Cash
- Pet food, leashes and other essentials
Items to help you withstand bad weather
Your winter roadside emergency kit should include essentials to keep you warm during winter months and help you deal with snow or ice, including:
- Ice scraper
- Shovel
- Kitty litter or sand for improving traction if you slide off the road
- Hand and foot warmers
- Blankets
- Snow chains for your tires
- Poncho or raincoat
2. Select Your Emergency Kit Container
Your roadside kit should fit in your vehicle without taking up too much space. It should be well secured but also easily accessible.
Some people prefer to store their entire emergency kit in a single container, while others choose to store items separately. For example, tire-changing equipment and jumper cables can often be stored under the floor in the trunk or cargo area.
A canvas bag, plastic tote or toolbox will work for an emergency kit. Ideally, the container should be strong, waterproof and able to hold everything you want while still sealing tightly.
3. Organize Items by Category
Group similar items together so you can quickly locate what you need in an emergency. Keep tools like a jack and jumper cables in one area, safety items such as your first aid kit in another, and winter essentials like blankets and ice scrapers in their own section. Using labeled compartments or pouches helps keep everything organized, and placing frequently used items in easy-to-reach spots saves time when it matters most.
4. Pack Items Securely
Make sure all items are packed securely to prevent shifting or damage while driving. Cushion fragile items with padding, and fold or compress larger items to maximize space. Storing supplies in waterproof containers or ziplock bags protects them from moisture and dirt, which is especially important for electronics and important documents.
5. Store Your Kit in an Accessible Location
Keep your emergency kit in a spot that's easy to reach without moving other things, such as the cargo area of an SUV, under the back seat of a pickup, or the trunk of a sedan. Ensure the container fits securely and doesn't interfere with passenger comfort. Always store the kit in the same place so everyone knows where to find it quickly in an emergency.
6. Regularly Check and Update the Kit
Regularly inspect your kit by replacing expired food and water and testing battery-operated devices to ensure they work. Keep extra batteries handy as backups. Also, check the spare tire's pressure and look for any cracks or dry rot to ensure the tire is reliable when you need it.
Additional Tips for Roadside Safety
- Check the weather and road conditions before you leave, especially in winter. Avoid driving in bad weather.
- Charge your phone fully so you have battery life if you need it.
- Keep an eye on the gas gauge. It's not safe to include gasoline in your emergency kit. Instead, keep an eye on your gauge and don't let your gas tank get too low, especially during winter.
- Find a safe spot to pull over. If possible, move your vehicle to the shoulder of the road, a parking lot or an off-ramp. The more distance you can put between yourself and traffic, the safer you'll be.
- Put on your flashers. If it's safe to do so, also set out visibility triangles or flares.
- Evaluate the situation and call for help if needed. Many people need help in a roadside emergency. Calling 911 is OK, but you should also program your phone with roadside assistance numbers. You might not always have strong cell service to look up new numbers when you break down.
- Stay buckled, if possible. The safest place to be during a breakdown is often buckled inside your vehicle. If it's not safe to stay in the vehicle, exit and get away from traffic, ideally behind a barrier like a guardrail.
Staying Safe on the Road
The more prepared you are for roadside emergencies, the safer you can be. While we can't always avoid emergencies, we can do our best to respond to them carefully and confidently.
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