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If you’re a responsible driver, you must know how important it is to be ready for an emergency. You may have a flat tire, run out of gas, get lost on some unknown roads or have an accident. These situations can leave you waiting for a long time before help arrives. You are responsible for yourself and everyone else in the car, so you have to have the essentials in your emergency car kit. This includes having a flashlight, first aid kit, water, clothing and shoes. A spare tire, tools and a pump are also a must.
A Suitable Flashlight

A flashlight can come in handy in many situations when we’re on the road. You may want to look under the seat, find something in the trunk, change a flat tire, check the car oil and water levels or give out an SOS signal that you’re lost and need help. What kind of flashlight you’ll have depends on what you need it for. First of all, you’ll need good illumination. This means that you need to buy a flashlight with a high lumen output. This way, you’ll get a wide and stable beam.
The flashlight needs to be durable as well. In emergency situations, we tend to bump, fall and drop things because we’re in a hurry. That’s why you need to choose a durable and strong material such as aluminium that can withstand numerous falls. It can be helpful if it’s waterproof and water-resistant as well. Investing in high-quality torches is never a bad idea.
When it comes to batteries, rechargeable models are the best. These batteries last longer and are more budget-friendly. You just need to make sure that you keep them charged at any time. Solar-powered ones are also available, and you can buy AA or AAA battery-operated flashlights. Besides giving out good light, flashlights can have extra features like a magnetic base, red light, SOS signal button, pocket clip, etc. Always opt for durable and high-quality flashlights so you won’t have any trouble when on the road.
First Aid Kit

Source: verywellfamily.com
Whether you’re simply travelling to and from work, running daily errands, or heading on a thrilling family vacation, it’s always a good idea to be ready for everything that may happen. Even if you are the world’s best driver, accidents can happen. One of the simplest ways to prepare yourself and your family for any kind of emergency is to keep a first aid kit in your vehicle. Thousands of accidents happen every day on the road, and it’s better to be safe than sorry.
You don’t have to carry a big box filled with millions of bandages, medicine and gauze. Your first aid kit needs to be well stocked with everything essential. Bandages are one of the first things you need to have. They can help you with cuts, blisters and scrapes if you have them in different sizes. Make sure that they’re elastic so they can be comfortable. Antiseptics for cleaning wounds and cats are also a must because they’ll help you prevent any infections.
Topicals can also be helpful for cleaning wounds or treating stings and allergic reactions. Some pain medications can also help when you have a headache, cramps or a sudden allergy. If you get something stuck in your hand or leg, tweezers would help. Thicks and splinters can be very uncomfortable. Some other things you can keep in your first aid kit are:
- Medical gloves;
- Antiseptic Wipes;
- Gause Roll;
- Shears;
- Adhesive Tape;
- Burn Gels;
- Alcohol Pads.
You can add anything you want to this list. Make the kit suitable for your and your family’s needs. Always count the items inside and ensure you’re supplied enough for the whole family. If you use something, replace it as soon as possible, for the next time you need it. Some people even add a snake bite kit to their car in case of a snake bite because we know how dangerous those things can be.
Hi-Vis Vest
Construction workers and police officers are not the only people that have to wear hi-vis vests. They can come in handy in the car as well. If you’re on the road changing a tire or your car broke down in the middle of the night, wearing a hi-vis vest can be a lifesaver. These vests make you visible from a big distance. This way, you’ll be safe from passing cars making sure that there will be no more accidents.
When choosing a vest, make sure that you’re getting a high-quality one that can last for a long time. These vests are always in bright colours such as orange, green or yellow and can have an additional reflective tape over them so you can be more visible to the environment. It’ll be good if the vest includes some pockets so you can keep tools and multipurpose torches close to you. Comfort is also very important. So when it comes to this type of safety equipment, don’t try to save a couple of dollars; get the best you can because it’s your safety that’s on the line.
Fire Extinguisher

Car fire extinguishers have the same capacity as standard ones, except they’re made smaller to take up less room. There are 3 types of fires that can occur in a car:
- Class A – fabric, paper and wood;
- Class B – highly inflammable fluids such as petrol and grease;
- Class C – flammable gases.
The best way to handle these fires is with a dry powder fire extinguisher. For an average-sized car, a 1-2kg extinguisher will be enough. These days they’re very affordable, and you can find them easily. You can store it in the boot, so you have to get out of the vehicle, taking yourself in a better position to react and put the fire under control. Choose one that’s easy to control and ready to use.
Extra Clothing and Blankets
When temperatures drop below freezing, a car breakdown in a remote location can be fatal for you. To be warm, make sure you have blankets, an additional winter jacket, a jumper, mittens and heavy socks in the car. Keep disposable hand and toe warmers in your glove compartment as a bonus. Your body can lose warmth quickly, and these items can help you keep the cold out. This will give you more survival time.
In Summary
Having all of these things can be a lifesaver. If you get stuck and help won’t be on the way sometime soon, you’ll have the essentials to get you through the night. Make sure you know how to use all of these things; you don’t want to learn when you’re in a dangerous situation. Check for any damage, and replace anything that’s not useful anymore.