With the arrival of spring and warmer temperatures, it’s time to change out your emergency car kit. Take these steps once winter hazards are behind you and summer travel lies ahead to ensure you always have the survival gear at hand that’s relevant for the season.

Refill

While you hope you never have to use your emergency car kit, you might have needed to access a few items this past winter. Now’s the time to assess what needs to be replenished for the summer season. These items might include:

  • Food
  • Water
  • Waterproof matches
  • Fuel bottle
  • Emergency flares
  • Tire sealant
  • Duct tape
  • First aid supplies

Replace

Check the dates on perishable items and throw out anything that has expired. Also, see if anything has been adversely affected by drastic temperature changes and replace them as well. The items most likely to be affected include:

  • Food
  • Water
  • Flashlight batteries
  • Cell phone chargers

Refresh

Driving conditions differ drastically between summer and winter. Many of the hazards of winter driving don’t apply in the summer, so you can remove many items from your emergency car kit. Still, keep in mind that summer introduces new driving threats that you must prepare for.

Retire the following items after the winter driving season ends:

  • Tire chains
  • Snow shovel
  • Windshield scraper and brush
  • Traction mats
  • Road salt or kitty litter (for traction)
  • Blankets and warm clothing

Add these items to your emergency car kit to prepare for summer travels:

  • Extra water bottles
  • Sunscreen
  • A wide-brimmed hat
  • Reflective blanket (to use for shade)

Reorganize

Remember, some items belong in your emergency car kit all year round. In addition to the items listed above, consider these other vital components you should keep in your car at all times:

  • Pocket knife or multitool
  • Rope
  • Flashlight or headlamp
  • Pocket radio
  • Toolbox
  • Reflective hazard triangles or a brightly colored flag
  • Jumper cables or a portable car battery charger
  • Tire pressure gauge
  • Tow strap
  • Leather gloves
  • Tarp
  • Rag
  • Playing cards to pass the time

Making it home safely after getting stranded on the side of the road is the first step. Next, you must seek assistance to repair any summer storm damage your home may have sustained. Contact DKI Services today to learn more about summer threats and recovery assistance from storm or fire damages.