Your Car

Updated on March 31, 2025

Your Car

What if you are travelling in your vehicle during an emergency, or you arrive at a destination that's experiencing an emergency? Are you prepared?

Get prepared

Being prepared for an emergency can reduce the impact it has on you and your passengers. Whether it’s creating a plan, understanding how to reduce hazards, or preparing by building a stay-at-the-vehicle emergency kit or grab-and-go bag, we’ve got tips and resources for you to prepare. Learn more: Get Prepared | RDN.

In your vehicle

The basic emergency kit for vehicles should include the following items:

Print this page.

Check off the items for your 72-hour emergency kit as you accumulate them.

Kit checklist

Food: That won't spoil, such as energy bars

Water: In plastic bottles so they won't break if frozen (change every six months)

Blanket

Extra clothing and shoes

First aid kit: With seatbelt cutter

Small shovel, scraper and snowbrush

Candle in a deep can and matches

Wind-up flashlight

Whistle: In case you need to attract attention

Roadmaps

Copy of your emergency plan and personal documents

Also keep these inside your trunk

Sand, salt or cat litter (non-clumping)

Antifreeze/windshield washer fluid

Tow rope

Jumper cables

Fire extinguisher

Warning light or road flares

Source: Emergency Car Kit (Get Prepared - Government of Canada)

Useful links

Get Prepared Canada: Emergency car kit
Watch: Building a kit (Get Prepared - Government of Canada)
Watch: Make a grab-and-go bag (Get Prepared - Government of Canada)
Watch: What's the difference? (Get Prepared - Government of Canada)