Emergency Preparedness Kit for Vehicles
Vehicle emergency preparedness kits are not intended for everyday use. They’re only needed during times of emergencies. Much like insurance, an emergency preparedness kit is something you should have, but hope you’ll never need to use.
Kentfield Fire District suggests storing preparedness kit items in a large plastic tub and a lid that secures.
- At least two blankets or a sleeping bag
- Flashlight (preferably water and shock-proof) and spare batteries
- Extra clothing – particularly, hats, boots and mittens/gloves
- Boiled water and nonperishable high-energy foods (granola bars, raisins, nuts, hard candies, peanut butter or cheese crackers)
- Emergency flares
- Jumper cables
- Spare tire/tire iron/jack
- First-aid kit and necessary bandages/medications
- Sand or non-clumping cat litter for tire traction, if vehicle gets stuck on ice or in snow
- A cell phone and extra cell phone battery or charger
- Coin change for pay phone use
- Tow rope or chain
- Brightly colored cloth to use as a signal
- Winterize your vehicle before the winter season kicks in. Get a tune-up to save wear and tear on its battery. If you drive with all-season tires, ensure they are properly inflated and have your tires rotated annually. Other vehicle care tips include:
-
- Check the radiator coolant level and check the sturdiness of hoses and belts.
- Refer to the vehicle’s manual to see if a lighter grade motor oil is recommended for winter driving.
- Check and replace all burned out headlights, tail lights and turn signals.
- Check tires’ tread. Minimum tread is 1/16-inch for adequate traction.
- Ensure the vehicle’s brakes are in proper working order.
- Keep spare window washer fluid in the trunk and ensure the wiper blades are in good condition.
