Emergency vehicle kits are available for sale at some automotive stores. You can also put one together and probably make it a better one anyway. You should design your kits every season, to prepare for the type of weather you are having as well. Best-case scenario, you will never need it, and that is a good thing. Worse case scenario you will need it, but you will be so glad you have it with you. Also in your emergency vehicle kit, carry the number for emergency roadside assistance such as what Ace Mechanics offer.
The emergency vehicle kit should contain enough stuff to take care of you and your passengers as well as the emergency breakdown. The basics are food, water, light and first aid as well as “emergency” items. Bottled water lasts well in a vehicle, just make sure to change it out within the expiration dates. If it is in the winter, the water may freeze, so may sure the bottle has enough room for the ice to expand. Food items should include non-perishables that are sealed in foil or plastic. Food that does not need kept at certain temperatures, like granola bars or protein bars.
Purchase a poncho or two, the kind that come in those little packets. Those are perfect if a breakdown occurs in the pouring rain. Make sure they are bright yellow or orange, so oncoming traffic can see you easily. An LED flashlight will give a lot of light. Perhaps have a flashlight and an LED lantern. Check the expiration dates on the batteries and always make sure to keep fresh batteries with the lights.
In addition, the glow sticks work well, as well as candles and matches. Keep a blanket for cooler weather, even a reflective blanket helps in extreme temperatures, and acts as a way to alert other vehicles, if you place it on the windshield.
First aid kits are easy to find and purchase at most stores like Target or even a pharmacy. These ready kits contain items needed for emergency first aid like bandages, gauze, sterile pads, soap, astringents, pain medications, and alcohol pre pads. Make sure to have tools in case the repair is something you can do. Get a handy tool like a Swiss army knife (or multipurpose knife.) Keep an axe, hammer, and a pry tool bar as well as duct and electrical tape and scissors. Lastly and just as important, have reflectors such as safety cones, flares and little flags to place around the vehicle on the side of the road.
