The Emergency Kit for Cars that All Drivers Should Have

Anytime you leave the house and venture somewhere without a plethora of resources nearby, whether it’s a hike, a camping trip or a long drive, you need to have an emergency kit packed and ready to go. An emergency kit can be a lifesaver for those who suffer weather-related car damage and accidents, providing you with the means of improving your situation.

On a long drive, an emergency kit for cars is essential and should be kept in your vehicle at all times. Whether you experience a flat tire, are stranded or experience another kind of catastrophe, a basic emergency kit can help.

Below is a list of the standard items every car emergency kit should have.

Emergency Kit Item #1: A Cell Phone

These days, everyone has a cell phone glued to them at all times of the day, so mentioning the importance of a cell phone might seem silly. However, if your car breaks down and you don’t have a way to place a call for service, you’ll have to wait until someone comes along who does. If you’re a person who takes trips into the wilderness often off of mountain roads, an emergency radio in addition to your cell phone is highly advised.

Emergency Kit Item #2: A Basic Tool Kit

A basic tool kit – including a jack and a lug wrench – can be critical if you experience vehicle failure while driving. A jack and a lug wrench are both necessary tools in changing a tire, and other basic tools, like a screwdriver, can assist in changing a light bulb or tightening cables.

Spare fuses and jumper cables are also must-have items. However, if something is wrong with your car and you don’t know how to fix it, calling for help is much safer than attempting to remedy it on your own.

Emergency Kit Item #3: A Fire Extinguisher

While fires don’t happen too often, an emergency kit for a car should include a fire extinguisher. A car that’s on fire is extremely dangerous, and if your car catches fire, you should get away from it as quickly as possible. If, though, the fire is internal or minor enough to be extinguished quickly, a fire extinguisher is a handy thing to have on hand.

Emergency Kit Item #4: First Aid and Safety Items

In addition to many different tools that can be used in the event of an emergency, having a basic first-aid kit, flashlight and flares can help in the event that minor injuries have occurred or if you are stranded and need to make your location known.

According to the American Red Cross, a basic car emergency kit checklist should include the following.

• Gauze
• Compress dressings
• Antiseptic wipes
• Antibiotic ointment packets
• Bandages
• Cloth tape
• Scissors
• Hydrocortisone packages
• Cold compress
• Gloves
• Thermometer
• Tweezers
• First-aid instruction booklet

Emergency Kit Item #5: Extras for Winter Driving

The winters of Colorado can be rough, and driving during a winter storm can be quite dangerous. If you’re driving in the winter, consider including these extras in your emergency kit for car.

• Set of warm clothes
• Blanket
• Hand warmers
• Winter snow boots
• Ice scraper
• Hat
• Gloves
• Scarf
• Windshield wiper fluid
• Tire chains
• Matches
• Nonperishable food items
• Water

What to Do if You’re Injured in a Denver Car Accident

While all the preparation in the world may help prepare you for a disaster, sometimes accidents occur regardless. If you experienced a car accident that resulted from someone else’s negligent actions, an attorney can help you to determine who’s responsible and get the money you need for medical care after an accident as well as other damages.

Denver injury lawyer D.J. Banovitz will be your advocate after an accident and can guide you through the process of filing a claim and recovering damages. If you’ve been injured, contact Colorado car accident attorney D.J. Banovitz today at 303-300-5060.