by Paula McCormick, Service Manager 

An emergency can happen at any time and always seem to happen at the worst time.  There are certain items you should have in your car to make sure you are prepared for car-trouble emergencies. Here are a few things to keep in your vehicle's emergency kit that will help give you peace of mind.

1)    Flash light and extra batteries: A flash light is a must if you have a breakdown in the dark, need to look under the hood where the sunlight doesn't reach or find a lost toy under a dark seat.  Keep extra batteries handy too, you don't want your flashlight dying when you need it.

2)    Blanket: This is a must have no matter where you live.  Nights can get chilly in warmer climates too.

3)    Duct Tape: Books have been written on the many uses of duct tape.  Keep a roll in your vehicle and you may be surprised by its uses.

4)    First aid kit: A basic emergency kit should contain most everything you might need such as bandaids, and wound cleaner.

5)    Hand warmers: Since they are so small they are easy to throw into an emergency kit or glove box.  They come in very handy when changing a flat tire in the cold.

6)    Battery Cables: Hearing that click, click, click of a dead battery is never fun and battery cables can certainly get you going back on the road a lot quicker than waiting for the tow truck. Or you might pay it forward by helping someone else in need.

7)    Windshield scraper:  If you live or visit an area that sees frost or snow during the winter you will be prepared!

8)    Bottles of water: For those unexpected times when you are waiting for the roadside assistance- or maybe you just have a thirsty child in the back seat.