What to include in an emergency kit for your car

If a natural disaster strikes, having an emergency preparedness kit in your car could help keep you safe. This year for National Hurricane Preparedness Week, which takes place from May 9 to 15, consider keeping essential emergency supplies in your trunk. Though you may wish to customize your kit further, these are the items you should make sure to include:

• High-calorie, non-perishable food
• Water
• Toilet paper and paper towels
• Warm blankets
• Extra clothing and shoes
• Candles and matches
• A battery-operated or crank flashlight and radio
• A cell phone charger and extra battery
• A whistle
• A compass
• Roadmaps
• A first-aid kit

Additionally, you should keep these items in your trunk:
• Sand, salt, or cat litter
• Antifreeze and windshield washer fluid
• A small shovel, scraper, and snow brush
• A tow-rope
• Jumper cables
• A fire extinguisher
• Warning lights or road flares

Remember to restock or replace any expired items in your emergency car kit every six months.

Lastly, it’s a good idea to keep some extra cash in your kit. This way, you’ll be able to buy last-minute essentials if the power goes out and the ATMs and banks aren’t operating.