The last thing you want to have happen when you hit the road for your summer vacation is to get stuck on the side of the road because your car broke down. As you plan your summer getaway, ensure that you are prepared for any unexpected car troubles or heat-related crises by ensuring that your emergency kit has all the items necessary to keep you and your family safe until help arrives. Unfortunately, some emergencies are unavoidable, particularly if another driver is at fault. If you are injured in a car accident during the summer months, contacting an experienced car accident lawyer is highly recommended.
Some items, including the following, are essential to have in an emergency kit when traveling during the summer.
Visibility Equipment
This can include flares, an LED flameless flare, or reflective triangles. These will alert other motorists that you are stopped and increase your visibility when it is dark or during intense sunlight when there is an increased risk of sun glare. It is highly recommended that you place one in front and back of your vehicle. These will also make it easier for police or emergency medical personnel to locate you if you call 911 and request assistance.
Bottled Water
If your car breaks down and you are stuck in the blazing heat, it is crucial that you have plenty of water to stay hydrated. You should pack more water than you think you might need. Extreme dehydration can become life-threatening, and having enough water in an emergency kit can avoid a severe heat-related health complication.
Reflective Blanket
You may not need a blanket for warmth during summer, but you can use it to create a makeshift bed to rest. A reflective blanket is particularly important as it can provide shade from the blistering sun.
Basic Tool Kit
This should include an adjustable wrench, a couple of different screwdrivers, a utility knife, and pliers. Depending on the circumstances, this may be all you need to return to the road and arrive at your destination. At the very least, you may be able to make the minor repairs necessary to get to the nearest mechanic.
First Aid Kit
This should be part of your emergency kit, regardless of the time of year you travel. A basic first aid kit should include bandages, antibiotic cream, tape, sterile gauze pads, extra sunscreen, non-latex gloves, acetaminophen and ibuprofen, tweezers, alcohol pads, antiseptic towelettes, a thermometer, and an EpiPen if someone in your family sufferers from a severe allergy.
Flashlight
Your car can break down when you least expect it, including at night when visibility is limited. A flashlight will help you determine what caused your car to break down and locate the necessary items to fix the issue. Several flashlight options include a battery-operated LED flashlight or a “powerless” hand-crank model.
Extra Batteries
Always keep extra batteries, including various sizes, in the emergency kit. Make sure to replace them regularly, as batteries can lose their charge over time.
Phone Charger
Your cell phone will be useless if your car breaks down and your battery dies. Always have an extra phone charger in your emergency kit, including a portable charger, in case your car breaks down, and you cannot use the car to charge your phone.
Jumper Cables
If your car battery dies, a set of jumper cables can fix the problem or at least recharge your battery enough until you can replace it if another motorist is available to provide a boost.
Fire Extinguisher
Your car’s engine is combustible unless you are driving an electric vehicle. If something causes a fire, it can have devastating consequences if it is not extinguished immediately. Having a fire extinguisher in the car at all times can put out a fire before it reaches the engine.
Tire Gauge
This can help you maintain your tire pressure correctly, reducing the risk of a tire blowout or a flat tire.
Duct Tape
This will come in handy for minor roadside fixes. It is not a permanent fix, but it can patch a windshield, secure loose fenders, or hold bumpers in place until a professional can repair it.
Snacks
You never know how long it will take for help to arrive, so it is essential to have a range of non-perishable snacks, such as granola, dried fruit and nuts, and other easy-to-pack snacks that provide nutrition and energy.
A well-stocked emergency kit can help you stay safe and comfortable until help arrives. You may be entitled to financial compensation if you are stranded due to a car accident. It is highly recommended that you contact an experienced car accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Our Cincinnati Car Accident Lawyers at Wolterman Law Office Represent Victims of Car Accidents During the Summer
If you were injured in a car accident while traveling this summer, do not hesitate to contact our Cincinnati car accident lawyers at Wolterman Law Office. We will discuss the details of your case. To schedule a free, confidential consultation, call us today at 513-488-1135 or contact us online. Our office is located in Loveland, Ohio, where we serve clients in Hamilton County, Fairfield, Norwood, and Forest Park.