Car Emergency Kit Checklist

Why these items are on the list

1. Jumper cables. AAA suggests a compact jump starter if you do not want to rely on another vehicle.
2. Flares or reflective triangle. Placed behind your vehicle, they show other drivers where you are, even in low light.
3. Ice scraper. Get one with a snow brush on the other end to clear snow from the rest of the vehicle.
4. Car phone charger. Keep an extra one so you can call roadside help if your phone runs low.
5. Blanket for each person. Pack one per person in your household; a mylar blanket takes less room than a sleeping bag.
6. Map and compass. They help you find your way if GPS fails or you have no cell service.
7. Cat litter or sand. Helps the car gain traction on slippery spots; non-clumping litter is the type named.
8. Water, 1 gallon per person per day. If possible, keep three days of water in the trunk.
9. Non-perishable food. Examples include granola bars, nuts, soup, jerky and dried fruit.
10. First aid kit. Bandages, antiseptic wipes and tape are common; you can add instructions for CPR.
11. Flashlight with extra batteries. A heavy-duty waterproof one helps you see under the hood or out in the dark.
12. Spare tire, jack and lug wrench. Check that the tools are there and the wrench fits your lug nuts.
13. Tire pressure gauge. Lets you keep an eye on tire pressure, especially in extreme heat or cold.
14. Tow strap. Another driver can use it to pull you out of a ditch or mud.
15. Multitool or small toolkit. A multitool can cut seatbelts and tighten screws; a toolkit adds screwdrivers and a wrench.
16. Duct tape. Can hold a muffler or bumper in place or temporarily contain an engine leak.
17. Work gloves. They protect your hands and improve grip during tire changes and minor repairs.
18. Reflective safety vest. Helps oncoming vehicles see you from a mile away or more.
19. Fire extinguisher, class B or C. Classes B and C cover flammable liquids, oils and electrical equipment.
20. Seat belt cutter and window breaker. Seat belts can jam and doors can become unusable after an accident.
21. Chemical hand warmers. They provide heat for 1 to 10 hours, useful when your fingers are cold.
22. Full tank of gas. Helps in an evacuation or power outage and keeps the fuel line from freezing.

On your phone, tick off what is already in your trunk, and what is left unticked is what you still need to pack. Come back to the same list when you recheck the kit, so you do not start from scratch.