Emergency kit prepares for unforeseen vehicle circumstances

Published Jan. 14, 2008
By James Christian
Air Force Flight Test Center Ground Safety

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- When traveling long distances, a well-stocked roadside emergency kit can be the difference between getting back on the road or being stranded.

A roadside emergency kit is the basic item motorists should have to help them get back on the road quickly and safely.

Motorists should pack their emergency kit with jumper cables, roadside flares, reflective triangles, two quarts of oil, one quart of transmission fluid and one gallon of antifreeze.

First-aid kits should also be available as well as a blanket, extra fuses, flashlight and extra batteries. Tools such as flat-head screwdrivers, Phillips head screwdrivers, vise grips, pliers, adjustable wrench and a set of combination wrenches should also be carried.

Motorists should also include leather work gloves, and aerosol tire sealer or inflator, tire pressure gauge, rags and a roll of duct tape. They should also have a pocketknife, ice scraper, pen, paper, energy bars, bottled water and a heavy-duty nylon bag to carry everything in.

Before using an emergency kit, take the time to familiarize yourself with the items you've collected and how to use them. Also, remember the most important item is your own good judgment.