If something happens on winter road trips or during holiday travel, it could be a while before help reaches you. You might not have a strong enough cell signal to call for roadside assistance, or you might be in a remote location. An emergency kit stays in the car to provide tools for basic repairs and keep you comfortable if you have to wait. Where possible we've included links to purchase items on our emergency car kit checklist from Tyler and Longview vendors.
Emergency Kit Basics
When you're building a roadside emergency car kit, tailor it to where you're going and who you're traveling with. If you stay in East Texas, you're not going to be rolling through heavy snow, but getting stuck in the mud is a definite possibility. If you're headed to Northern states, your kit should include items like ice scrapers for your windshield and kitty litter for iced roads.
Include items your family members might need. If you have young children, put in extra diapers. Include a size up in case your little one has a growth spurt and you forget to restock. For babies you might also need a bottle, extra formula, diaper cream, wipes and a pacifier.
If you travel with pets, add a Ziploc or Tupperware with dry food and a bowl for water. Bring a leash and chew toy so you can walk your pet and keep him or her entertained.
Must-Have Emergency Kit Essentials
We'll get right to the list.
- Hand sanitizer
- Antibacterial ointment
- Band-aids
- Painkiller and fever reducer like Tylenol or Aspirin
- A roll of gauze or bandage
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellant (it is Texas after all)
- A small fire extinguisher
- Tire changing tools
- Jumper cables
- Duct tape
- Baby wipes
- Dehydrated snacks and a few bottles of water
- Blankets in case you're stranded somewhere cold
- A flashlight
- A multi-purpose tool
- Road flares
- An empty gas jug
- A small amount of extra cash
- Toilet paper
- Feminine hygiene products (you'll thank us for the last two)
Package first aid items in a gallon Ziploc bag. Purchase a large, clear storage container for the rest. Print an itemized list and tape it to the inside of the lid so you don't end up rummaging through for something that isn't there.
Add Entertainment To Fight Boredom
Don't rely on your cell phone, you may need it for emergency calls. Put a coloring book, deck of cards, novel or other entertainment in your emergency car kit so you have entertainment that doesn't require electricity.
