Skip to main content

Auto Emergency Preparedness Kit Checklist

A person putting a hazard triangle down with their vehicle in the background.

Auto Emergency Preparedness Kit Checklist

You can avoid many dangerous weather problems by planning ahead. Plan long trips carefully, listening to the radio or television for the latest weather forecasts and road conditions. If bad weather is forecast, drive only if absolutely necessary.

Auto Emergency Kit - Recommended Supplies

  • Jumper cables, flares, or reflective triangle
  • Flashlight with extra batteries
  • First aid kit
  • Food - non-perishable food such as canned food and protein-rich foods, like nuts and energy bars
  • Drinking water
  • Manual can opener
  • Basic tool kit: pliers, wrench, screwdriver
  • Radio - battery or hand-cranked
  • Shovel
  • Ice scraper
  • Warm clothes, gloves, hat, sturdy boots, jacket, and an extra change of clothes for the cold
  • Blankets or sleeping bags
  • Charged cell phone and car charger
  • Help sign
  • If traveling with pets, include pet items

    • Prepare Your Car For Emergencies

    Have a mechanic check the following on your car before an emergency:

  • Antifreeze levels
  • Battery ignition system
  • Brakes
  • Exhaust system
  • Fuel and air filters
  • Heater and defroster
  • Lights and flashing hazards lights
  • Oil
  • Thermostat
  • Windshield wiper equipment and washer fluid level

    • Car Safety Tips

  • Keep your gas tank full in case of evacuation or power outages. A full tank will also keep the fuel line from freezing.
  • Install good winter tires and make sure they have enough tread.
  • Do not drive through flooded areas. Six inches of water can cause a vehicle to lose control or possibly stall. A foot of water will float many cars.
  • Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded. Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of the car.
  • If a power line falls on your car, you are at risk of electrical shock. Stay inside until a trained person removes the wire.
  • If it becomes hard to control the car, pull over, stop the car and set the parking brake.
  • If the emergency could affect the stability of the roadway, avoid overpasses, bridges, power lines, signs, and other hazards.

    • Auto Emergency Kit Checklist (PDF)

    Additional Resources

    Office of Highway and Safety Planning - How to Handle a Roadside Emergency