Things to Include in Your Vehicle Emergency Kit

What to Include in Your Vehicle Emergency Kit
When you move with MoveBuilder, professional drivers make the move cross-country so you don't have to. For most people that means making a long-distance drive across the country in their own vehicle— a daunting task in some cases (but still leaps and bounds more enjoyable than driving a rental truck!)  Because ’preparedness' is my middle name, I'm a strong proponent of preparing a vehicle emergency kit before you hit the road. Better to be safe than sorry, right?  In fact, it's probably not a bad idea to have one in your vehicle at all times.

So what items do you really need? My advice is to visualize yourself stranded for 24-48 hours. What would you need? Keep in mind to take potential weather situations into account when you're getting supplies ready.

Always be prepared for a dead battery, running out of gas, a flat tire, getting stuck, etc.  Here are some standard Vehicle Emergency Kit supplies whether it's a major or minor emergency.

  • Diapers (if you're traveling with small children) & toilet paper
  • Wet wipes – good for wiping dirty faces and hands and cleaning up spills.
  • First aid kit
  • Gloves 
  • Tarp – Can be used as a shelter if you're stranded, it can also be used to spread on the ground while you change a tire, etc.
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Battery Jumper Cables or battery charger
  • Flat tire repair kit – Include one or two cans of fix-a-flat, spare tire, jack and wrench.
  • Gas can/container
  • Flashlight and road flares with spare batteries
  • Tow strap
  • Tool set – Make sure it includes a Phillips and Flathead screwdriver, sturdy lock blade knife, wire cutters, duct tape, hammer and slip joint pliers.
  • Small shovel – For digging out of snow or dirt; it can also help dig a latrine if it's a true emergency.
  • Spare bulbs for headlights and taillights
    Money – Put $100 - $300 on a visa gift card and hide it in the vehicle (may want to avoid the obvious glove box. This is good to have in case you need a tow truck or have other unforeseen expenses.

If you're far away from home, and there's any chance you could be stranded for a lengthy amount of time, you may want to consider including these items in your vehicle emergency kit:

  • Water (especially in the summer). Account for one gallon per passenger
  • Food. Pack granola bars, protein bars, MREs, and other non-perishable items.
  • Cell phone charger
  • Blankets
  • Chemical Warmers – Heat in a can is great for heating the car or cooking.
  • Hand Crank Radio
  • Emergency Phone Numbers

Don't forget to update and maintain your vehicle emergency kit on a regular basis.  And before you hit the road, make sure you know how to use the tools if you need them.