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