No matter the season, no matter where you are planning to drive, it is always smart to have a comprehensive car emergency kit available. Many people are unclear about what they should have within their kit. Keep reading to get the facts and then contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 if you are involved in a car, bus, or truck accident and need a free legal opinion.
Several Blankets
You might be caught somewhere overnight, in which case blankets can come in handy. They can provide warmth if you are stuck somewhere cold. They can help people who are experiencing shock. Even if you live in an area that does not experience below-freezing temperatures on a regular basis, it is still wise to have several blankets on hand.
Flashlights and Extra Batteries
Do not count on the flashlight on your phone. If you are in a car accident, do not assume that you will have access to your phone. It could be a time that you happen to walk out the door without it, it could lose its charge, or it could be thrown from the car in the accident. Have a flashlight so that you can more easily change a tire or signal for help. Also store extra batteries for the flashlight in case those go bad.
A Small First Aid Kit
It is wise to have at least a basic first aid kit in your vehicle. This should include things like bandages, antiseptic wipes, and first aid manual. If you have medications you might consider keeping some extra on hand. For example, if someone in your household is diabetic, you might want extra insulin available.
Water and Food
You should have enough water for two days per person that is regularly in your vehicle. If you live alone, that might just be a few bottles of water. If you have a family of five, then you will likely want a few jugs of water. You should also have some food on hand. Consider non-perishable snack-type foods like protein bars or granola bars.
A Basic Tool Kit
It might be that you have to change a tire in the middle of the night. You should have a basic tire repair kit and basic tools available. This should include, at a minimum, a wrench, tire jack, and a spare tire that fits your vehicle. You also need to have an empty gas can so that if you run out of gas, it is easier to get some. Just make sure you leave it empty as a full canister of gas can be a safety issue.
These steps are designed to help keep you safe in the event you have an accident or other emergency in your vehicle. If you are injured as a result of someone else acting recklessly or negligently, contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 now for a free legal consultation.
