Jan 2, 2020

When it comes to staying safe on the road, things like seat belts and being alert are essential. Another important element? The Emergency Kit. Things happen, and if you’re stranded, you’ll need a few items to help your situation until help arrives. Even though many Toyota vehicles come equipped with roadside assistance technology, Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, PA offers these tips for putting together your own Emergency Kit for your car or truck. Just in case.

 

Let’s start with some “must-haves”:

-Portable phone charger (and make sure that IT’S fully charged, too!) Your phone is useless if it doesn’t have any juice

-Jumper cables. Don’t assume another driver will have them

-First Aid kit, including band-aids, antibiotic ointment, gauze, aspirin, and anti-bacterial wipes

-Flashlight and batteries

-Maps (what if your GPS isn’t working? Keep some old-school paper maps on hand)

-A car jack and spare tire in case of a blowout

-Reflective triangles. These will alert other drivers in case you’re changing a tire in the dark

-Roadside flares (and a working lighter to light them, if needed)

-Bottled water

-Non-perishable food. Bags of nuts or dried fruit, granola bars, and other pre-packaged items will keep you nourished if you’re stranded

 

So, these are the absolute basics. Depending on your situation and the time of year, you might also want to consider adding a few things to your personal emergency kit.

 

-A few days of medication, especially if it’s important to take it several times throughout the day

-Blankets, hats, gloves for cold weather

-A pair of old sneakers in case you need to walk anywhere unexpectedly. If it’s been snowing, a pair of boots

-During the snowy season, a few bags of kitty litter can offer traction if you’re stuck. For that same reason, a small snow shovel will also come in handy for any needed “digging out”

 

Of course, one helpful tip for avoiding a roadside emergency is to keep up with your regular service and maintenance appointments. Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, PA is happy to look over your Toyota and let it know what it might “need.” Staying on top of the health of your vehicle will go a long way towards avoiding the use of that Emergency Kit.