Roadside emergencies can happen when you least expect them, and being unprepared only makes things worse. A roadside emergency kit is your backup plan for breakdowns, flat tires, or bad weather. It contains tools you can use to handle small fixes, stay safe while waiting for help, and help others on the road. 

So what exactly should you put in your roadside emergency kit? What should you do during emergencies? Find out below. 

Why You Need a Roadside Emergency Kit

Roadside problems never come with a warning. A flat tire or sudden storm can leave you stuck and stressed. Here are the top reasons why you need a roadside emergency kit: 

1. Handle Breakdowns Safely

Waiting for roadside assistance can take hours. You can solve your problems if you have jumper cables, a tire repair kit, and some basic tools. This means less waiting, less stress, and more control over the situation.

2. Stay Safe in Bad Weather

The weather can change fast. Snow, heavy rain, or extreme heat can turn a short trip into a serious risk. For instance, keeping extra clothes, water, fire sprays, and Mylar blankets in your car makes sure you stay safe until help arrives.

3. Be Ready for Accidents

A first aid kit lets you treat small cuts or scrapes until professional help arrives. Reflective triangles or flares also help keep your car visible so others don’t miss you on the road.

4. Help Others 

Your kit isn’t just for you. You might end up giving someone a jump start or sharing water with another driver. Being prepared lets you help others when they need it most.

5. Have Peace of Mind

A car emergency kit gives you confidence. You know you’re ready for emergencies every time you hit the road. 

What Should Be In an Emergency Roadside Kit?

Having an emergency roadside kit can save you a lot of stress when things go wrong on the road. Breakdowns, flat tires, dead batteries, or bad weather can leave you stranded. Having the right supplies makes a big difference. Here’s what to pack in your roadside kit:

Visibility & Signaling

• Road flares or reflective triangles
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Brightly colored flag or scarf

Basic Vehicle Maintenance

• Jumper cables or a portable jump starter
• Tire repair kit or inflator 
• Spare tire, jack, and lug wrench
• Tire pressure gauge
• Multi-tool 
• Duct tape

Safety & First Aid

• First aid kit
• Fire spray or fire blanket
• Emergency vest 
• Window breaker
• Seatbelt cutter

Personal Comfort & Supplies

• Bottled water
• Non-perishable food
• Blankets 
• Warm clothing 
• Phone charger or power bank 
• Printed local maps

Additional Helpful Items

• Basic tool kit 
• Thermal blanket
• Paper towels or rags
• Vehicle owner’s manual 
• Pepper spray

What Are the 3 C’s When Dealing With an Emergency in the Correct Order?

The 3 C’s when dealing with an emergency in the correct order are check, call, and care. Let’s break them down below: 

1. Check

Check the scene first. Look around for dangers like fire, live wires, or traffic. You don’t want to become another victim by rushing in. Once you know it’s safe, check the person. See if they’re responsive, breathing, or showing signs of serious injury.

2. Call

Call your local emergency number right away. Stay on the line and give the dispatcher clear details, including your location, how many people are hurt, and what happened. These help responders get there faster.

3. Care

Give the best care you can while waiting for the responders. This includes stopping bleeding, performing CPR, or keeping the person calm. 

What’s the Most Important Item in a Go Bag?

The most important item in a go bag depends on the situation. For some, it might be food or water. For others, it could be prescription medication. But at the end of the day, your survival depends on a few essentials working together.

For one, water is often considered the top priority. You can only go about three days without it, so pack at least a gallon per person per day. Right behind it is food. Non-perishable items like protein bars, nuts, or canned goods give you the energy to keep moving. Don’t forget a manual can opener if you pack cans.

On the other hand, the most important item for people with health issues is their medication. Having at least a three-day supply makes sure they can manage their conditions when pharmacies aren’t accessible. A well-stocked first aid kit also matters because small injuries can get serious without treatment.

What Should I Have in My Car at All Times?

Having the right items in your car can save you from stress on the road. From safety tools to comfort must-haves, here’s a breakdown of essentials every driver should keep handy for any situation.

Safety & Emergency Items

• First aid kit 
• Jumper cables
• Spare tire, jack, and lug wrench 
• Flashlight with extra batteries.
• Reflective triangles or flares
• Warm blanket 
• Water
• Non-perishable food
• Cell phone charger or power bank 
• Basic tool kit 
• Tire pressure gauge
• Fire spray or fire blanket
• Duct tape
• Empty gas can 

Vehicle Documents & Information

• Owner’s manual
• Registration and insurance 
• Emergency contact list 
• Paper maps 

Comfort & Convenience

• Hand sanitizer 
• Trash bags 
• Extra clothes 
• Umbrella

Seasonal Essentials

• Ice scraper
• Snow brush
• Gloves
• Extra water
• Sunscreen

What Should Every First Aid Kit Include?

A first aid kit helps you treat minor injuries until medical help arrives. The Red Cross suggests these items for a family kit:

• 25 assorted adhesive bandages
• 5 sterile gauze pads (3 x 3 inches)
• 5 sterile gauze pads (4 x 4 inches)
• 1 gauze roll bandage (3 inches wide)
• 1 roller bandage (4 inches wide)
• 1 absorbent compress dressing (5 x 9 inches)
• 1 adhesive cloth tape (10 yards x 1 inch)
• 5 antiseptic wipe packets
• 5 antibiotic ointment packets
• 2 hydrocortisone ointment packets
• 2 packets of aspirin (81 mg each)
• 1 instant cold compress
• 1 emergency blanket
• 2 triangular bandages
• 2 pairs of large non-latex gloves
• 1 breathing barrier with a one-way valve
• 1 oral thermometer (non-mercury, non-glass)
• Tweezers
• Emergency first aid instructions

With these basics, you’ll be ready to manage cuts, burns, sprains, or more serious situations until help arrives.

What Is the First Thing to Check During an Emergency?

The first thing to check during an emergency is the scene. This matters because you risk becoming a victim if the area isn’t safe.

For example, there could be a structure fire, falling objects, a gas leak, or traffic moving around you. Jumping in without looking puts both you and the injured person in more danger. By looking for physical hazards, you protect yourself and make sure you can help others. 

Remember, you’re not ignoring the person; you’re making sure it’s safe enough to reach them. That pause gives you the chance to help them instead of adding to the emergency.

Should I Include Cash in My Go Bag?

You should include cash in your go bag. You can quickly buy essentials like food, water, or fuel when digital systems are out. It’s also useful in small shops, roadside stands, or rural areas where cards may not be accepted even on a normal day. 

Plus, having cash means you don’t have to waste time looking for a working machine when you should be focused on staying safe. In short, it gives you flexibility and security when everything else feels uncertain.

How Much Cash Should Be In a Roadside Emergency Kit?

Keep between $100 and $300 in your roadside emergency kit. That amount usually covers things like gas, food, or even a motel if electronic payments aren’t working. Cash matters because power outages, broken card readers, or rural areas can leave you stuck without a way to pay. 

Small bills are the most useful since many places can’t break big ones. Pack a mix of $1s, $5s, $10s, and a few $20s for bigger costs. Coins also come in handy for tolls, vending machines, and parking meters. Keep your cash tucked in a fireproof bag so it stays safe and dry. Put it somewhere hidden in your kit, but easy to grab when needed.

Should I Include Snacks in My Car Safety Kit?

Yes, you should include snacks in your car safety kit. Food gives you energy if you get stranded due to a breakdown, traffic jam, or road closure. 

The best options are non-perishable foods that can handle temperature changes, like granola bars, nuts, dried fruit, crackers, or jerky. They don’t expire quickly and give you quick energy when you need it most. 

Conclusion

Being ready for roadside emergencies isn’t about expecting the worst. It’s about knowing you can handle surprises. A well-stocked car emergency kit gives you the tools to stay safe, fix small issues, and wait for the professionals. Pack your kit, keep it in your car, and you’ll always be one step ahead.

Do you want reliable, easy-to-use, and affordable tools to put in your roadside emergency kit? Check out Prepared Hero’s fire prevention and survival tools here, and get up to 51% off on certain items. Stay prepared, hero!