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Insurance Bureau of Canada/ab/Auto/Emergency Preparedness

Emergency Preparedness

​​If you’re in a collision, if you run out of gas or find yourself trapped on a highway, it’s important to have an emergency kit in your vehicle.

​Disaster can strike in any season. Be it a winter storm, a springtime flood, summer hail or a fall tornado, if you’re in your car, it’s best to be prepared. Just like having a home emergency kit, having emergency essentials in your vehicle can keep you comfortable and potentially even save a life.

Consider printing the following checklist and reviewing it at the start of each season. Use it to ensure you and your vehicle are prepared for a worst-case scenario situation.

Emergency Kit for Vehicles1

  • First aid kit that includes a seatbelt cutter which may be available at your local hardware or department store
  • Tow rope, jumper cables and fire extinguisher
  • Portable shovel, scraper, snowbrush, antifreeze and windshield washer fluid
  • Salt, sand or non-clumping cat litter
  • Non-perishable food (e.g., non-perishable energy or granola bars)
  • Water (if in bottles, ensure they won’t break if frozen; replace every 6 months)
  • A warm blanket, extra clothes and shoes or boots
  • Cash, including small bills and change for pay phones
  • A wind-up or regular radio (and batteries)
  • A warning light and matches, a flashlight and batteries
  • Road flares and a whistle (in case you need to attract attention)
  • Road maps
  • Copies of your emergency plan, personal documents (health card, insurance policy, etc.) and essential prescriptions

​Roadside Assistance

Roadside assistance is offered by private companies, private auto insurers and government-run auto insurers and can be a lifesaver when you are stuck on a lonely highway. If you have a 24/7/365 roadside assistance service, be sure to keep your cellphone charged or your in-car technology current to ensure you’ll be able to contact your supplier if and when an emergency situation happens.