How to Pack An Emergency Kit

Spare Tire

It is important to prepare yourself for any situation while driving. You never know when you could have a blowout or mechanical breakdown. You could also run into some bad traffic or weather. Chances are, your car came with the equipment to change a tire, but that’s about it. Packing an emergency kit can make you much safer and give you peace of mind while driving.

000.png

Where Do I Get My Kit?

You can buy emergency roadside kits at most stores in the automotive section. This can be a good option if you just want the general basics or are in a hurry. The kits usually come with many of the necessary items for a safe emergency kit and can save you a lot of time and effort.

If you want to build your own kit, you can buy all the necessary items at most stores also.

Personalizing Your Kit

There are premade emergency kits, but it's important that your kit works for your needs. This means thinking about what you need when driving.

How is the weather where you drive? If you live in Miami, you probably don’t need to include salt or an ice scraper in your kit. If you do live somewhere with harsh winters, you will need items to protect yourself from the cold.

Think about your family needs. If you often travel with a small child, pacifiers or diapers may be a good thing to add to your emergency kit. If you have pets, you may want a chew toy and a water bowl.

You should be familiar with everything in your kit so that you can use it quickly and efficiently.

What Items Should I Include?

Here is a quick list of all the general items needed for an excellent roadside emergency kit.

  • First Aid Kit
  • Jumper Cables
  • Empty gas can
  • Tire Changing Kit with Spare or Donut (make sure your car comes with this and that you know how to get to it)
  • Rain Ponchos/ Jackets/ Umbrella
  • Food such as energy bars, crackers, and applesauce
  • Fresh water for each person (you can also use this as emergency coolant)
  • Flashlights and extra batteries
  • Cash
  • Blankets (And other winter gear if needed)
  • Entertainment such as a deck of cards

Prepare yourself and your family for the unexpected with an emergency kit.  Also be sure to sign up for Infinity's Free Roadside Assistance Program!

The materials available in the Knowledge Center are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. You should contact legal counsel to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. Use of this website or any of the links contained within the website do not create representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.