What Should I Include in a Roadside Emergency Kit?
Being prepared is not only critical should a crisis situation arise, it’s also an important step towards alleviating any anxiety at the prospect of facing such an emergency. If you don’t already have a roadside emergency kit in your vehicle or if you’re not sure you have everything you need in your current kit, here are some recommendations from the team at James Toyota.
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How to Build Your Roadside Emergency Kit
While it’s difficult and/or unpleasant to imagine, a well stocked roadside emergency kit is an easy and practical defence against the unexpected. While you probably don’t need entire suitcases of supplies, there are a few essentials you should keep in your vehicle whether you’re embarking on a long road trip or just making your daily commute.
- Emergency blankets (heavy wool is best)
- Flashlight (with extra batteries)
- Jumper cables
- Fully stocked first aid kit (be sure nothing is expired – yes, bandaids expire)
- Whistle
- Road flares or reflective triangles
- Tools or a good multi-tool (try to include a blade component for cutting seat belts)
- Non-perishable food items & bottled water
- Tow straps or tire chains (for larger vehicles)
Keep your lifestyle in mind when building or replenishing your roadside emergency kit. For instance, if you frequently travel with an infant or small children it may be worth keeping some smaller pieces of warm clothing, a few jars of non-perishable baby food, or some formula around as well.
Winter Roadside Emergency Kit
Having a winter roadside emergency kit is crucial when the weather turns nasty. Ontario winters add hazards like ice, snow, and visibility issues to the list of things to consider for winter driving. Here are a few essentials that can be added to the list above during the winter months.
- Winter boots & gloves
- Ice scraper/snow brush
- Bagged sand (non-clumping cat litter also works)
- Folding (telescopic) shovel
- Warm clothing (hats, jackets, socks)
- Hand warmers
- A sleeping bag
An auto accident or slipping off the road can be a scary experience, but it’s important to remember that the best way to respond to any kind of emergency situation is to remain calm and take steps to ensure your safety first. Having a built-in emergency service such as Toyota Safety Connect is a great way to ensure you’re never truly alone on the road. Should you ever be faced with a damaged vehicle, our vehicle repair facility is ready to help. From the team here at James Toyota, stay prepared and safe out there!