How to build an emergency kit for the car

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA – With recovery underway following Hurricane Harvey, Hurricane Irma and September’s National Preparedness Month underway, some families are realizing that their emergency kits should be re-evaluated, and others realized they had no kits at all. The Automobile Club of Southern California is reminding residents to be prepared for an emergency whether at home or on the road. Recent AAA research found that 4 in 10 Americans do not carry an emergency kit in their car.

“It’s important for drivers to be prepared for car trouble or emergencies by outfitting their vehicle with food, water, tools, clothing and other gear in a roadside emergency kit,” AAA’s approved auto repair manager, Dave Skaien, said. “These items can help them should their vehicle become disabled, or they become lost. Properly stocked, an emergency kit will help drivers with minor breakdowns, or possibly survive, until help arrives.

“It’s very important to have a fully-charged cellphone and charger in your vehicle, along with blankets and a jacket,” Skaien said. “It’s also important to have a flashlight in your glove box. These items will aid motorists in the event that they require a tow or 9-1-1 emergency assistance.”

The Auto Club recommends these items be included in a basic roadside emergency kit whether for commuting, a road trip or anytime: Auto Club/AAA membership card in your wallet, blanket, candles for those in cold climates, fully charged cellphone and a cellphone car charger, disposable camera or cellphone with camera to photograph crash damage, duct tape, extra prescribed medications, first-aid kit, nonperishable food, fire extinguisher, flares, warning triangles or reflectors, impact resistant flashlight with extra batteries, heavy gloves, jacket, poncho and hat, jack for tire change, jumper cables, legal papers including proof of insurance and vehicle registration in glove box, paper towels, pencil or pen, notebook, rags, towels, quart of oil, coolant specific to the vehicle, reflective sun shade, tire chains, tire pressure gauge, umbrella and water.