Top Five Things to Keep in Your Car Emergency Kit

For hazardous all-season driving, or for hurricane evacuations, there are important items you can keep in your car to make your life easier in the event of an emergency. Always keep a portable weather radio, with extra batteries, in your glovebox or center console. A great option is the ER210 Emergency Crank Weather Radio to keep you updated with the weather forecast. It also features a high powered flashlight + strobe, AM/FM radio, and a hand crank in case you run low on power. Also remember to have:

Tire Inflator/Sealer

Flat tires from storm debris are a common problem no matter the time of year. When normal services are down, it could be hours or days before a tow truck arrives, if at all. You can buy an inexpensive spray can like Fix-a-Flat ($12) or a combination compressor/tire sealer kit that will allow you to quickly get back on the road.

Printed Highway Map

In big disasters the cell phone system can be strained or broken. The maps on your cell phone operate by communicating with local phone towers, but if those towers are out of service, the maps on your phone are useless. Also remember that your cell phone's battery quickly drains when using your phone GPS. Keep a folded paper map in your glovebox, or a large highway atlas under the front seat.

Flashlight or Battery-Powered Lantern

Any car repair at night will require a good source of light, and it might make the difference between getting stuck, or continuing on your journey. Remember, the ER210 and ER310 emergency weather radios include a high-powered flashlight + strobe.

Small Tool Kit

Pliers, a hammer, a few screwdrivers, and a crowbar/tire iron could all come in very handy. A roll of duct tape and a few different-sized hose clamps can fix a bad radiator hose long enough for you to limp your way to a service center. Have an old bath towel in your trunk to wipe your hands.

First Aid Kit

Small kits are available at drug stores, Target, and Walmart. More complicated kits cost more, but they include life-saving items like tourniquets and stop-the-bleed surgical dressings. Even if you think a small kit is enough, remember you never know what disaster you may run into. Be prepared.