Does your vehicle have...

It was brought to my attention the other day that people may not have their vehicles properly equipped for the change of seasons, possible natural disasters, but most importantly our every day travels.

Do you have...

1. An emergency road side kit that consists of: flares or reflected triangles, jumper cables, gloves, reflective vest (so you can be seen at night), and a sun visor that says "Help"?
2. Small tool kit that contains: wrenches, screw drivers, wire cutters, a variety of wire caps, electrical tape, extra fuses, small ball ping hammer, you may want to have spare hose clamps of different sizes also.
3. At least a quart of spare oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and a gallon of water for your vehicle? (Side note: Re-use your antifreeze bottles with water for your vehicle.  This can save you from using your drinking water).
4. Your jack and crowbar with the spare tire? Have you checked the air pressure in your spare lately? Is the tire full of cracks because it is old? Getting in the habit of checking these things often can help prevent you from being stuck on the side of the road with a flat tire and unusable spare. You may want to keep a can of tire inflate just in case. Don't forget your chains or cables when they are needed.
5. Maps? If you are going on a trip do you have maps to your destination? Are the routes marked out? Have you told at least two different people where you are going and the route you will be taking? Having other people know how and where you are going can get help to you quicker, if you were to need help.
6. Extra clothes (for the season), blankets, gloves, hats, high energy snacks, and water for everyone in your vehicle? You never know what can happen, staying hydrated and keeping your energy up can save your life.
7. A first aid kit (any size)? You may not need to bandage a person in a car accident. But with all the places you travel on a daily, you never know when you might need a Band-Aid - at the play ground or an ice pack for smashed fingers at the grocery store.
8. A small fire extinguisher? These always come in handy for long trips or even around town. Your vehicle is like your house, fires can start from anything... electrical short, someone smoking, a vehicle accident, etc.
9. A hand-held CB, portable ham radio, or even cell phone booster?  These are good things to think about when going on long trips or when you are in areas that may not have good cell coverage.  You may have a better chance of contacting a truck driver or EMT's with some sort of CB, than waiting for hours to be rescued by a passer by.
10. A cell phone charger in your vehicle? Does your cell phone have one clearly designated person to call in case of an emergency? Some phones have an emergency  button but not all do.
11. A card in your purse or wallet of who to call if you are in an accident? You may want to have an emergency contact card with your registration and insurance card. 
12. A note book? This is handy for exchanging insurance information or if you have witnessed an accident. Having a disposable camera or cell phone with a camera is always a good idea.

This may seem like a lot to do, have in your vehicle, or even to think about, but as I always say, "You can never be too prepared". Plus one of these days the things you have with you could save your life or the life of someone else.