5 Essentials All Moms Should Keep in the Car
You never know when disaster will strike while you’re driving the carpool or picking up the play group. Whether you’re waiting in rush-hour traffic, experiencing car trouble, or stuck in the aftermath of a car accident, you’ll want to be prepared with the right tools. Here are some of the top safety essentials to keep in your car for emergencies.
1. First Aid Kit
The most important thing to have in your car for emergencies is a first aid kit. And I’m not talking about a skimpy first aid kit with a couple of Band-Aids and some gauze. You might have a kid with a skinned-knee or a gash to the head; but if you run into a real emergency, you’ll need more than the bare essentials to do any good.
When looking for a first aid kit for your car, make sure it’s well stocked with the following items:
● Bandages
● Athletic tape
● Antiseptic
● Latex gloves
● Scissors
● Splint
● Sunscreen
● Bug repellant
● Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
● Ibuprofen (Advil)
● Prescription medications with instructions
Stay prepared. You never know when you may need to treat basic wounds while you wait for paramedics to arrive on the scene. You can find a good first aid kit on Amazon or an emergency preparedness store, and you can even assemble your own.
2. Gas Can
Of course, all of us would like to think of ourselves as the prepared type that won’t run out of gas, but after driving children to piano lessons, soccer games and endless errands, running out of gas is still a possibility, so don’t let it happen to you.
To prepare for this unfortunate event, keep an empty gas can in your car. After all, it’s a lot easier to haul an empty gas can to the nearest gas station than it is to try and push your 3,000 pound car there—with kids in tow.
Remember also to replace your gas can after you have used it. Even if you have only used the gas can once, take the time to replace it with a new one. Otherwise, you run the risk of causing an unnecessary fire or breathing in fumes. You can find a cheap fuel container at your local grocery store. If you are extra cautious, you can splurge for a nonspill gas tank.
3. Water & Snacks
When you’re driving in your car, you rarely think about how hungry or thirsty you are. You’re surrounded with plenty of gas stations, grocery stores, and fast food options where you can quickly pop in and grab a snack and cold beverage.
However, the moment your car breaks down, the luxury of being able to grab a drink anywhere within a few short minutes becomes impossible. If you no longer have access to your air conditioner, it’s hot outside, or you have to walk any distance for help, you’ll be grateful you have water available.
Make sure to keep a few extra water bottles on hand, or go the extra mile by keeping a stash of emergency water packets in your car that are reserved strictly for emergencies. You’ll also want to keep some of your child’s favorite snacks in your car. This will save you a headache and a tantrum in the future.
4. Jumper Cables
One of the most common and basic kinds of car trouble is simply a dead battery. Whether you are the unfortunate driver who turned your key only to get no response or you notice someone in the parking lot with the hood up and a distraught look on their face, you’ll be glad you have access to jumper cables.
With the help of an already-charged car and jumper cables, you’ll be able to recharge a dead battery in a matter of minutes. You can get a good and affordable pair of jumper cables via Amazon, Walmart, or any auto store.
5. Portable Cellphone Charger
When disaster strikes, one of the first things you’ll want to do is call for help. Don’t make things extra hard on yourself by landing in a bad situation with a 2% charge on your phone, or worse, a completely dead cellphone battery.
A portable power pack or external battery will help you charge your phone, or the phone of a bystander in need, when you have to call 911, a tow truck, or a loved one. This device is especially helpful to have in a dead-car-battery scenario, when a normal car charger won’t work for your phone.
If you keep these five safety essentials in your car at all times, you’ll be prepared to face an emergency with confidence. Also, remember that different seasons might require different items, so be sure to add other emergency essentials to this list according to where you live and what time of year it is.
Sage Singleton is a safety expert for SafeWise. She enjoys teaching, individuals, families and communities about safe home and lifestyle habits. In her free time, she enjoys wedding planning, traveling and learning French.
