Skip to main content

Emergency Kit for Your Vehicle


We know it is only the end of September, but winter weather likes to sneak up and surprise us in Ohio! That means the time to prepare for that bad winter weather is now, and you know what? You need an emergency kit any time of the year because your car can break down no matter what the weather is. You can get a pre-made kit, but if you buy supplies, you can make multiple kits and have leftovers to replenish as you need. The biggest benefit of creating your own vehicle emergency kit? You'll know exactly what's inside. You bought it and packed it, so you'll know what is and isn't included.

So let's get prepared!

First, get yourself a plastic tote. Preferably one that is smaller, a 5-gallon tote will work well and keep everything from scattering all over in your trunk. If you have a truck and you don't have a truck "tool box" to hold everything, get a heavier duty plastic tote that will keep out the rain, snow, and bugs.

Now, it's time to gather materials to stock. So, let's start with the first aid kit. You should include the following: 
  • Band-Aids
  • Hand sanitizer.
  • Antiseptic.
  • Antibiotic ointment.
  • Bug spray.
  • Aspirin (or similar).
  • Cotton balls.
  • Gauze pads.
  • Tweezers.
  • Bandana.
  • Ace bandage.
Have these in plastic storage bags to keep them dry and keep everything organized.

Next, you should have a fire extinguisher, one that is small and easy to store. Have some road flares (if not already in your tire-changing tools). These will be really handy when you break down at night. It will alert people to your presence and help someone find you who is coming to assist. Having a set of jumper cables is imperative for you or for you to help someone else. Keep a sturdy flashlight and extra batteries, some rags to clean up messes. The always handy duct tape is good to make a quick, temporary fix of something, and having a multipurpose tool will also be helpful.

Now for some weather specific items to include. Have some rain ponchos and a tarp (you can use this to lay on the ground and keep you out of the mud or snow when you are changing a tire). Scent-free baby wipes are handy for cleaning up when you don't have a sink nearby. In the winter, have an ice scraper, cat litter for slick roads, and blankets and/or warm clothing. During the hot months, swap the warm clothes for a small battery-powered fan. Drinking water and non-perishable snacks are something to keep on hand during any season. Have an extra pair of comfortable shoes too in case you aren't wearing one that are great for walking.

Some recommend keeping fluids like oil, antifreeze, and brake fluid in your vehicle as well. If you have an older car, add these to your kit—but if you regularly check your fluids, you shouldn't need these.

When you are looking for totes of all sizes and colors, check out Edge Plastics. This woman-owned, made-in-America company offers private labeling on all products and a unique color palette for customers to choose from. Their products can be found at large retailers throughout the United States and Canada.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Storage to Seating

If you are a social butterfly, like many people out there, you may thrive in the atmosphere of hosting get-togethers at your apartment or home. However, two big issues can arise when you are the host of your social group. These are Storage of your belongings and Seating for your many guests. Well luckily if you have extra plastic storage totes sitting around your living space you can create one solution to two problems.  For this project all you will need is two plastic storage bins , a piece of plywood and a quilted bedspread. This project is remarkably simple as all you need to do is put the storage bins end-to-end and place the piece of plywood over them to create a flat surface. After the plywood place the bedspread over the top and either fold it under the storage bins or simply let it hang over the edges and hold it in place with decorative objects or walls. You can even put throw pillows on top of the bedspread if you are feeling extra fancy or some padding between the plyw...

Quarantine Storage Ideas

Have you noticed that your home has become messier during this quarantine? Your kids are home from school. You are working from home. While you find yourself spending more and more time at home, you don’t have the time to clean and organize things like you wish you did. Between work, playing teacher, and struggling with anxiety, you do not have much time left over to organize. We have a great solution that takes hardly any time at all! Storage totes are a quick and easy way to keep your possessions in so that your home stays tidy. Keep your home tidy during quarantine with plastic storage totes! Storing shoes in storage totes is a great way to keep them all in once place. You know how sometimes you might have a couple of pairs by the front door, one under the bed, and the rest in the closet? Yeah, that is not the best plan. You do not want to be running late for events because you cannot find the right pair of shoes. While your kids are studying at home, storing school suppl...

DIY Water Feature

Have you been feeling like your landscaping is missing something? Maybe you need a water feature! A water feature will give your outdoor area some visual and audible interest. We are going to tell you how to make a small water feature that's inexpensive and easy to do. First, you need a clear or opaquely clear watertight plastic tote . The size depends on your preference, but we think an 80 quart tote will allow you a great look. Find the area where you want to put your water feature and trace around the tote. Then dig out enough dirt so that the top of the container is flush with the ground. Next, get some larger rocks and place them in the bottom to hold the tote in place. If you want (and this is actually very important), place a pump into the container. Keeping the water moving helps to promote aeration throughout the pond and discourages the growth of pests like mosquitoes and algae. Use some more rocks to secure the pump. Now, here's where your creativity gets to shine! S...