Be prepared: Essentials for your next road trip

Emergency preparedness is not exclusively for natural disasters. Every vehicle trip has the potential for crises, especially during the summer when families may find themselves on a lonely stretch of highway.“Prevention and planning are much easier than dealing with the consequences,” said Troy Geen of The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The NHTSA suggested keeping the following items in your trunk before heading out this summer:

• Cell phone
• First aid kit
• Flashlight
• Flares and a white flag
• Jumper cables
• Jack and ground mat for changing a tire
• Work gloves and set of work clothes
• Basic repair tools and some duct tape (for temporary repair of a hose leak)
• A jug of water and paper towels for cleaning up
• Maps that provide an alternative to smartphone navigation, especially in remote areas
• Protein-rich food like nuts and energy bars; canned fruit and a portable can opener
• AM/FM radio to listen to traffic reports and emergency messages in case your cell phone isn’t receiving service
• Baby formula and diapers if you have a small child

FEMA also suggested keeping your gas tank full and using emergency flashers if you find yourself stranded.