No one expects an emergency. They’re called emergencies for a reason. However you can be prepared for emergencies if and when they do happen. Even if you never end up using it, having an emergency car kit tucked away in your Subaru is a good idea.
There are a couple of different approaches you can take when it comes to building an emergency kit. You can go for the minimalist approach and just pack the bare necessities, or you can take the the all-out roadside Superman route. We’re going to break down the pack-mule version knowing that the minimalists out there can and will exclude “unnecessary” items.
The definition of "unnecessary" is affected not only by your personality but also by your destination. If your Subaru mostly drives to the mall and soccer practice, you'll need a different emergency kit from someone who usually drives into wilderness areas.
Obviously you don’t want to carry an entire auto shop in the back of your rig, but here are some items that can come in handy if you have an automotive emergency:
- Jumper cables
- Tire sealant
- Tow cable
- Spark plugs
- Coolant
- Road flares
if your car breaks down during a road trip, especially a back roads trip, your own comfort while you're waiting for repairs may be top of mind. Keep a basic first aid kit, of course. Beyond that, sanitation is key. If you’ve been on the road for a week and you’re stuck on the side of the road, you will feel better knowing you can brush your teeth.
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss
- Toilet paper
- Bar of soap
- Trash bag
- Hand sanitizer
- Disinfecting wipes
Thirst and hunger can add to the frustration of being stranded. Pack some non-perishable food and some water. Water's always a good idea. Canned foods won't come into play unless you're stranded for some time -- but you'll be very glad you have them if you're waiting for many hours. Remember your can opener, too.
- Water
- Food bars
- Canned tuna
- Peanut butter
- Freeze dried meals or MREs
There’s a difference between waiting for a tow truck for an hour or two and waiting for rescue teams to find you. If the worst-case scenario for the places you're going is the latter, it’s a good idea to be prepared.
- Water filter
- Headlamp
- Emergency blanket
- Knife
- Paracord
- Wool blanket
- Multi-tool
- Matches
- First aid kit
It’s also a good idea to have something to pass the time. Pack a deck of cards, Frisbee, Kindle, or pen and pad in case you’ve got time to kill.
If nothing else an emergency car kit will give you peace of mind. Knowing that you are prepared in the event of an emergency will relieve a lot of stress if something unexpected happens.
Categories:
Social
