Stranded in Your Car – Have an Emergency Bag Ready

What You Need in Your Car Emergency Bag

Being stranded in your car can be nightmarish, and having an emergency bag available can make all the difference in terms of survival. Cars can break down for a variety of reasons or be caught in a natural disaster such as a wildfire. All of us remember the long lines of vehicles transporting families out of the California fire zones in 2019. According to FEMA, less than 40 percent of people have an emergency plan. Let’s look at the items you need to have in your car emergency bag when you are caught in a disaster.

Choose a Durable Emergency Bag

The first thing you need to do is to pick a strong, durable emergency bag capable of holding your items. Find one that is compact enough so it does not take up an inordinate amount of room while at the same time big enough to hold what you need. A PVC coated bag will give you the strength you need. Make sure it has an ample storage design with easy access.

Jumper Cables

These should be at least 15 feet long and have durable, insulated handles. If you are stalled and someone comes along, you need to be able to jump-start your battery.

Gas Can

Running out of gas is a disaster waiting to happen. Some gas cans have a no-spill feature, which makes it easy to pour. Choosing one that is EPA compliant is also important, and it should be capable of holding three gallons of fuel. This item can be stored in the trunk. 

Flares Needed in an Emergency Bag

If your vehicle is stranded on the road, you need to be able to warn other motorists you are there. Pick up a few packs of safety flares at Amazon or your local auto care shop. 

Flat Tires

It’s possible to get a flat time from debris on the road, a defective tire, or one that has grown too old to hold up to pressure. Not everyone can change a tire, although it is certainly a good reason to learn. Sometimes, even if you know how to change a flat, it can be a dangerous thing to do. Instead, you might pick up a can of Fix-a-Flat. This item is non-flammable and seals off the reason for the flat while also inflating the tire. You might want to have two cans. Have a tire pressure tool in the bag too.

Tools You May Need

Pick up a few tools you may need, such as a pair of pliers, a wrench, and a screwdriver with multiple heads. Put them in a plastic bag, so they are all together and leave them in the car. Too many times, individuals “borrow” a tool from the emergency bag and forget to return it. 

A Flashlight 

You will need a flashlight, and you should pick up one with a bright light. Keep extra batteries in the bag too. Check the expiration date on the batteries from time to time. 

Fuses

Pick up some spare fuses so you will be able to change them if need be. Ask your mechanic which ones you are likely to need. If necessary, let them show you how to replace them.

Trapped in the Car

Bring trapped in your vehicle can have fatal consequences, especially if the car has plunged down an embankment into water or about to catch on fire. Having a cutting hammer that can cut a seatbelt or break the window is essential to survival in such cases. Using the tool can often mean the difference between life and death. 

Fire Extinguisher

Having an easy to use fire extinguisher on hand can help you save your vehicle and yourself when a fire breaks out. Such car fires are common and can be due to electrical problems, a cigarette landing on the floor of the vehicle or an overheated engine. 

Other Needed Items

A few other items that are necessary include:

  • Maps
  • Face masks, especially if fires are along the route
  • Non-perishable food and water
  • Change of clothes
  • Paper and pencil
  • A charger for your cell phone
  • Bandaids, alcohol swabs, iodine, medications such as Tylenol or a few days of prescription medicines
  • Blankets
  • Paper towels

Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyer

I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento personal injury lawyer. If you are stranded, being ready, and taking steps to protect yourself and your family is essential. Sometimes, the problem is due to negligence on the part of another. In such cases, you are able to recoup the damages you suffered from a car accident injury. Call me at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400.

I’ve helped Sacramentens since 1982 in all types of car accidents, wrongful deaths, and fire-related injuries.

I am pleased to belong to the following organizations:

Learn more about my practice on the following pages:

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