Emergency supplies for your vehicle

Emergency essentials

Carry the following in an emergency box or plastic tub in your vehicle trunk or cargo area of your SUV or pickup:

• Flashlights with extra batteries
  
• Stocked first aid kit (check that items are not missing or outdated)
  
• Pocketknife or multi-purpose tool
  
• Blanket or sleeping bag
  
• Mittens, socks and a wool cap
  
• Waterproof matches or butane lighter
  
• Waterproof covering like a tarp or poncho
  
• Three-pound coffee can or equivalent for heating water
  
• A small sack of sand or cat litter for generating traction under stuck wheels (also adds weight for better traction and handling)
  
• A small shovel
  
• Bottled water (but remember it will probably freeze so allow expansion room in the container)
  
• Battery booster (jumper) cables
  
• Energy bars or other high-energy food like raisins or nuts
  
• Candles (a blanket over your head, body heat and the heat from a single candle can prevent freezing)
  
• Basic tool kit, including pliers, screwdrivers, adjustable wrench, tape and wire
  
• Paper towels or toilet tissue, good for their designed purpose as well as a fire starter
  
• Spare tire
  
• Rope, tow chain or a strap
• Map of the area where you plan to travel
  
• Signaling devices such as emergency flares, brightly-colored cloth, athletic whistle or a mirror

Published 11-15-13