Yesterday I talked about preparing your car for a long trip. What about a car emergency kit? You can purchase a car emergency kit, but you can also put one together yourself. Having a roadside emergency kit can help reduce the hassles of breakdowns that might occur. Vehicle breakdowns do happen and they don’t always strike in a busy, well lighted, cloudless, warm spot with flawless cell phone reception!
Even if your car is well maintained something can happen. First of all, always make sure that your cell phone is charged. Make it a habit to have your cell phone well charged every time you get into the car.
Have a first aid kit in your car. It should included adhesive tape, gauze pads, aspirin, antiseptic wipes, antiseptic cream and anything particular to you or your family. Have three reflective warning triangles. If you have three they can be placed 50 feet apart to warn oncoming traffic. 
Tire gauge. Use the gauge to periodically check the tire pressure in your spare! You don’t want to get a flat tire only to find out that your spare tire is flat too!
Jumper Cables. They should be at least 10 feet in length and coated with at least 8 gauge rubber.
Flashlight and extra batteries. It’s a good idea if the flashlight is waterproof.
Rags and gloves.
Duct tape. It is the universal fix-it solution.
Tow strap or tow rope.
Multipurpose utility tool. A Leatherman or a Swiss army knife would be perfect.
Rain Poncho. Even an inexpensive plastic poncho is better than nothing when changing a tire in the rain.
Drinking water and nonperishable snacks. Protein bars are a good choice.
Warm blanket.
Snow shovel. They make great shovels that have a short, extendable handle. Perfect to carry in the car.
Kitty Litter. Works as well as sand beneath the tires for traction and weighs less than sand.
Windshield ice scraper.
It’s always a good idea to be prepared. Make sure your emergency kit items are stored in a safe, secure place in the car. You wouldn’t want them flying around if you had to stop suddenly!
Nancy on the Home Front 