American Red Cross provides recommendations for car emergency kit

SALT LAKE CITY — In honor of September’s National Preparedness Month, the American Red Cross of Utah provided tips for preparing an emergency kit for your car. 

Per the Red Cross press release, keeping supplies such as food, water, and first-aid kits could be life-saving in the event of disaster. 

“We often know that we need emergency supplies, but don’t take the time to make sure we have them handy, or that the supplies are up to date,” said Ben Donner, the executive director of the American Red Cross’ central and southern Utah chapter. “Take advantage of this reminder and National Preparedness Month and set aside some time to make your driving a little safer.” 

Car-specific emergency kit essentials

The Red Cross recommended keeping a portable battery jump-starter in your car’s emergency kit. 

According to Clore Automotive, a portable jump-starter is better than jumper cables because it does not require a second vehicle to provide a battery charge. Unlike jumper cables, portable jump-starters only need to connect to the disabled vehicle.

Since there are fewer connection points, Clore Automotive said there are also fewer chances for things to go wrong than with jumper cables. 

Secondly, the Red Cross recommended placing a foldable shovel in your car’s emergency kit. Folding shovels come in handy when trying to free a stuck vehicle from snow or mud. 

According to AAA, you should use the shovel to clear a path for your vehicle. Make it around the vehicle’s perimeter, allowing room for the car to move. 

Remove as much snow as possible from in front of and behind each wheel. 

After you’ve cleared all the snow from around and on your vehicle, start trying to move it. AAA recommended keeping your front wheels as straight as possible. 

Angled wheels could make it more difficult for the car to push through snow. 

Slowly back up. Then, step on the brake and transition into drive, slowly moving forward. AAA said that if that does not work, you should “rock” your car between reverse and drive, using your brakes between each transition. 

If that does not help the vehicle, AAA recommended putting something under the tires to increase traction. Sand or ice melt can work, or your rubber floor mats can be used in a pinch. 

In addition to a battery jump-starter and a foldable shovel, the Red Cross said you should keep a spare tire and changing tools in your car. Make sure you know how to properly change a tire. 

Other essentials

When building an emergency kit for your car, the Red Cross said you should also pack supplies for yourself. 

Make sure you include a first-aid kit. It should include antiseptic wipes, bandages, gauze, and hand sanitizer. Pre-assembled first-aid kits can be purchased from many places, or you can prepare your own. 

In the event of an emergency, long traffic delay, or road closure, emergency blankets and hand warmers could come in handy. Additionally, rain ponchos can help keep you and your passengers dry if circumstances force you out of the vehicle. 

Emergency alert items such as flashlights and handheld radios should also be included to help alert others of emergencies. 

While the list may be long, Donner said it’s okay to start small. 

“Start by gathering items you already have in your home and work from there,” said Donner. “It’s better to have some of these items ready than none at all, and as you recognize what your kits needs, add those emergency items when you feel you can.” 

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