Preparing an Emergency Roadside Kit

With warm summer days and open roads that beckon winter-worn families, road trip season is upon us. While hitting the highway with a cooler full of sandwiches and a crumpled road map may seem like ideal family bonding time, there are some precautions to take. By preparing an Emergency Roadside Kit, you can prevent your vacation from taking a precarious turn.

Despite your best efforts, there’s always the chance that your vehicle could break down. Whether it’s a nail in the road, a sick child, or any number of unforeseen incidents, it’s best to be well equipped. In the event of an accident or emergency, there are a few things you should always have prepared in an Emergency Roadside Kit:

• First aid kit. This should include an injury information card, cotton balls, plastic bandages, antiseptic towelettes, wet naps, large gauze, and rubber gloves.
• Flashlight;
• Batteries;
• Flares and a white flag;
• Jumper cables;
• Jack and ground mat;
• Basic tools including a screwdriver and duct tape for temporary repairs;
• Water and paper towels;
• Nonperishable food and medicine;
• Extra windshield washer fluid;
• Maps;
• Rain Poncho;
• Tire puncture repair.

Of course, it’s always a smart idea to customize your Emergency Roadside Kit to fit the needs of your family. Remember: getting there is half the fun, so embrace the open road and the sights you’ll see…after prepping for a safe trip, of course!