Car Storm Kit: Multi-tools And Other Items To Store
Just as it is important to have your family and home prepared for emergencies with an emergency kit
, it is equally essential to create a kit for your car. This car kit will ensure you are prepared for any unexpected roadside or weather emergency you may find yourself in. Make sure this emergency preparedness kit has similar items to the one in your home, including a multi-tool and an LED flashlight or headlamp.
Even if you have roadside assistance, depending onwhere you are and other emergencies around you it may take several hours forhelp to reach you. Be prepared, both for your own safety and that of yourpassengers. Here are some more tips for preparing your car for potential emergencies:
Pre-Storm Auto Maintenance Checklist
- Antifreeze: Levels are satisfactory.
- Brakes: Have normal fluid levels and nominal wear.
- Battery: Terminals are clean and it doesn't have any charge issues.
- Exhaust system. Make sure there are no leaks, and repair any that are there. Replace or repair crimped pipes.
- Thermostat, heater and defroster: All are functional.
- Fuel: Always have a full tank of gas.
- Air filter: Replace if needed.
- Oil: Levels are adequate and lubricate well in low temperatures.
- Lights: All work well, including hazard lights.
- Windshield wipers: Have enough power washing fluid and work well.
- Tires: Keep chains in your trunk or install studded tires (if permitted in your area).
Auto Kit for Winter Weather Preparedness
Here are a few essentials to add to your regular auto emergency kit. Spare emergency items are a good idea in general in case one doesn't work or is removed to handle a different situation.
- Snow shovel
- Tire chains
- Sand or cat litter- Helps improve traction if stuck in the snow
- Rock salt to melt ice
- Windshield scraper
- Small broom to dust off snow
- Extra blankets, hats, socks and mittens
- LED headlamp so you can work hands-free
- Multi-tool with a pocket knife and screw driver
- Extra LED flashlight
- Extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Water
- Non-perishable snacks that will not freeze in cold weather
- Waterproof matches
- Flares
- Battery-powered emergency cell phone charger
- Reflective, fluorescent distress flag and road triangle
- Extra antifreeze
Packing Your Car
It doesn't take a ginormous car to carry all of the items above. In fact, most are small and compact and can fit anywhere. If your car is on the smaller end, just use your best judgment regarding which items to keep and which to take out of your emergency kit. No matter what items you have in your kit, make sure you understand how to use them, especially your multi-tool, headlamp, traction equipment and jumper cables. For a majority of the items, you can keep them in a plastic tub in your trunk. For the essentials, such as an LED flashlight, important numbers, batteries, a multi-tool, etc., place those in your glove box or in a bag in the backseat so that they are easily accessible to you.
Creating an emergency car kit as well as brushing up on your basic survival techniques will help you prepare for any cold-weather emergency you run into while in the car.
by: Tom C. Huntington
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