If you’ve lived in Canada for even a short time you probably understand why it’s a good idea to keep an emergency kit in your car. Between storms that close highways mechanical troubles long distances between gas stations and blown tires there are a lot of reasons you can be stranded on a roadside. With a country as big as this this can mean being many kilometres away from the nearest help and few people passing by.
If you do ever end up stranded make sure to stay calm and follow these steps:
There are a few things you should keep in your car to make sure you’re prepared for this kind of situation. While you obviously can’t keep every spare part and tool for every problem in your trunk you can have some basic things to get your car going. It’s also important that you be prepared to keep yourself and any passengers safe fed and warm for a short period. This is especially important in the winter and during inclement weather which can lead to a delay in roadside assistance response and serious health problems.
Absolute Essentials Car Emergency Kit
- List of relevant phone numbers
- roadside assistance
- family or friends you can contact for help
- emergency service numbers
- Basic first aid kit
- Gauze pads (various sizes)
- Gauze rolls (various sizes)
- Bandages (various sizes)
- Triangular bandage
- Antiseptic wipes
- Aspirin/ibuprofen
- Antibiotic ointment
- Hydrocortisone ointment
- Tweezers
- Cloth tape
- Breathing barrier
- Nonlatex gloves
- First aid instruction booklet
- Blanket
- Water
- At least a litre preferably more
- Non-perishable food
- 72 hours worth is ideal but make sure there’s enough to keep you and any passengers sated for a full 24 hours
- I.e. power bars (better than plain granola bars from a nutritional and energy perspective) and canned food
- Make sure you have the tools to eat whatever you have — a can opener and utensils may be helpful!
- Socks
- A spare set or two is always handy to have if your feet get wet or you need some extra warmth
- Gloves or mittens
- Gloves offer more dexterity but mittens offer more warmth
- Hat
- Choose a warm toque for winter and something to keep the sun off your face in the summer
- Jacket
- Bring a heavy winter jacket for cold weather and have a lighter waterproof jacket for the warmer months
- Proper shoes
- This is especially important if you’re wearing footwear that’s ill-suited for walking like heels or flip flops
- I.e. a sturdy pair of runners or winter boots depending on the season
- Jumper cables
- Maps
- Phone + charger
- Flashlight + batteries
- Scissors or knife
