Most people know the importance of having an emergency kit in your trunk during the winter. However, it’s just as important to have one in your car during the warmer months of the year, too.

There are premade emergency kits available for purchase, but they are expensive. Plus, it’s highly unlikely that the kit would include everything you’d want.

Building a Summer Emergency Kit For Your Trunk

For the summer months, here are some things to keep in your trunk in case of emergencies:

• Cell phone: cell phones have significantly cut down the chance of getting stranded on the side of the road, but don’t count on yours as your only line of defense. Keep a charger handy. In addition to you main phone, have a backup that you can use to call 9-1-1. Cellular carriers are required by law to complete 9-1-1 calls from any cell phone, even they aren’t activated.
• Jumper cables
• Equipment for changing a tire: a jack, an inflated spare tire, a lug nut wrench or tire iron.
• First aid kit: choose one that allows you to treat a range of problems, from small cuts or burns to ones that require major bandaging. Familiarize yourself with the kit.
• Warning light, hazard triangle, or flares: if your vehicle is stuck on the side of the road, it’s crucial that you warn other motorists, especially at night.
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Matches and a lighter
• Water: consider keeping your water in glass containers, and change the water out often.
• Blanket and pillow
• Battery operated radio: in an emergency situation you don’t want to drain your car’s battery by running your car, so keep up to date on weather with a radio that uses batteries.
• Paper towels and toilet paper
• Non-perishable food: energy bars, almonds, tuna pouches, crackers.
• Multi-purpose knife
• A container: a cardboard box or plastic container that will keep all of these items organized and from rolling around in your trunk.

Other things to consider:

• Medications: if you take any medications, make sure to have at least three days’ worth in your emergency kit just in case you become stranded.
• Canned goods and a can opener
• Rope, bungee cord
• Latex gloves, plastic garbage bags
• An extra set of clothing

You probably won’t feel the need to include every item we’ve listed here, but our list will give you a good place to start. Create your kit based on what you have room for in your trunk. While you may never need your emergency kit, remember: it’s always better to be over-prepared!

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