Within your car, you should always keep a first-aid kit and roadside-emergency kit. You will need to customize your roadside kit to make it appropriate for your local climate. Those who live in cold-weather climates, for example, will want to keep items that can be used to stay warm should the car break down, as well as shoveling and deicing implements should the car slide off the road.

Here is a list of items that you might want to keep in your car at all times (allowing for customization for your particular climate):

• Sand or rock salt for traction (in case you get stuck in snow or icy conditions)

• An old scarf and an old belt for emergency hose repairs

• Battery jumper cables (if you can purchase jumper cables that don't require another car, all the better)

• First-aid kit and blanket

• Flashlight with extra batteries, flares, matches

• White cloth to tie to antenna to signal emergency

• Funnel

• Pad and paper

• Plastic jug of water, PowerBars, chocolate, and other nonperishable food items

• Pliers, a wrench, a rubber hammer, a folding shovel, a standard screwdriver, wheel chock, work gloves, fluorescent safety vest, and mechanic's wire

In addition, make sure that your cell phone is always fully charged when you leave your home in your car.