• Fire extinguisher

  • Choose a small one that is easy to store.

• Road flares

• Spare tire

• Tire jack

• Tarp

• Multipurpose tool

• Duct tape

• Flashlight and extra batteries

• Rags

• Rain ponchos

• Drinking water and non-perishable snacks

• Jumper cables

• Scent-free baby wipes

Some optional items for your roadside kit include:

• Collapsible shuttle

• Ice scraper

• Cat litter for slick roads

• Small battery-powered fan

• Blankets and/or warm clothing

Other Pro Tips of things you can keep in your car to be prepared for an emergency:

• Cell phone car charger: Keeping your phone charged up when you’re on the road can help you reach out for assistance in an emergency. In addition to a standard car charger, also consider a solar charger.

• Cash for gas: If the power goes out due to inclement weather, it’s nearly impossible to get gas with just your credit card. Cash always works, so keep some safely tucked away in your car.

• Clean, empty, refillable gas jug: This won’t fit in your every-day emergency kit, Just remember it’s never safe to keep a full jug in your vehicle, as gas is highly flammable and unstable.

• Check all car fluids before a long drive: including oil, antifreeze, and transmission fluid. These should be clean and full to make sure your vehicle is running in tip-top shape.

• Deck of cards, book, or other entertainment: Literally any kind of entertainment that doesn’t require technology. I know that as someone who’s every move uses her cellphone, it’s a hard pill to swallow that I may not have the ability to charge it should an emergency arise. So have options.

It doesn’t hurt to be prepared for the worst. It provides with peace of mind that you can handle any situation you end up in. I recommend plastic bins in the trunk so that you know exactly where everything is and can easily access the. So get your bags together and keep that trunk organized!