Road safety

​Preparing an emergency kit

Keep emergency supplies in your vehicle at all times to help you and your passengers stay safe. Here are some tips on what to pack in a “grab-and-go" emergency kit for your vehicle.

An emergency can happen at any time – that's why it's important to be prepared for the unexpected.

PreparedBC recommends you pack an emergency “grab-and-go" kit for your vehicle. This kit should include:

  • Food (ready to eat) and water

  • Phone charger and battery bank

  • Small battery-powered or hand-crank radio

  • Battery-powered or hand-crank flashlight

  • Extra batteries

  • Small first-aid kit and personal medications

  • Personal toiletries and items, such as an extra pair of glasses or contact lenses

  • Copy of your emergency plan

  • Copies of important documents, such as insurance papers and identification

  • Cash in small bills

  • Local map with your family meeting place identified

  • Seasonal clothing including extra clothing if possible, proper footwear, and an emergency blanket or sleeping bag

  • Pen and notepad

  • Whistle

  • Help/OK signs to display the appropriate side outward in your car window during an emergency

Drivers also need other emergency supplies for their vehicle. These include:

  • Windshield scraper, snow brush and extra windshield washer fluid

  • Flares, safety matches or a lighter, and candles

  • Shovel and traction mat, sand or kitty litter (non-clumping)

  • Battery jumper cables

  • Tow rope

Additional resources