DeploymentInside this post: Every military spouse should have a roadside emergency kit for deployment. Learn the items you need and where to get them.
Right in the middle of deployment, I got the kids ready and headed to the car outside our apartment building. After wrestling each of them into their car seats, I hopped into the driver’s seat, turned the ignition and nothing happened.
I waived down a friend in the parking lot to jump the car, and still, nothing happened. The battery was deader than the concrete under my feet.
Something is bound to break or go wrong during deployment.
I trudged the kids back up stairs and made arrangements to have the car put in the shop. Meanwhile, I was driving around in my husband’s car since he wasn’t home to use it anyway.
You’ll never guess.
In the same week my car was in the repair shop, his car broke down too. But in this moment I was so grateful for my roadside emergency kit while we waited to get the car transported to the repair shop. If you already grabbed your free deployment binder, then you know what’s in a roadside emergency kit.
But I’ve found that I spend more time looking at the list than I do shopping for the items, putting them together and placing them in my car. So I’ve done the heavy lifting for you and created a list of everything you’ll need for a deployment roadside emergency kit and where to buy it all.
How to create a deployment roadside emergency kit
While you should have a roadside emergency kit in your vehicle at all times, deployment is the most important time to have this prepped and ready!
I have a tendency to buy everything off Amazon because we are Prime members. Plus, if it costs approximately the same to have it delivered to my doorstep and I don’t have to take the kids shopping, then Amazon wins.
First aid kit.
This first aid kit has everything you’ll need. The price is right and it’s the best selling first aid kit on Amazon. Can’t beat that!
Jumper Cables
Here we go…another Amazon best seller. I personally go with the 20 ft cables versus the 16 ft in case you are ever in a situation where the two cars don’t reach. Worth the extra few bucks.
Tire pressure gauge
Hopefully you have a tire pressure gauge. The most basic model will usually run you a few bucks at your local store. Newer tire gauges are highly accurate, and it’s still reasonably priced.
Gallon of coolant.
Who knew you could buy coolant on Amazon?! Check to make sure this brand of coolant works with your vehicle, but this is what we use. It’s also Amazon’s best selling coolant.
Quart or more of motor oil.
I am not an expert on motor oil. That said…this is what we use and it’s great for engines that put on a lot of miles. I like the 5 quart bottle so I’ve always got some on hand if my car
Fix-a-Flat
I don’t know about you, but I’d much rather use Fix-a-Flat than change a tire on a car. With this super simple product you attach the hose to the tire and it inflates the tire AND seals the hole. Once the rim is off the ground, you’re ready to go!
Flashlight and extra batteries.
This is a super bright tactical light. Great if you get stranded on a dark road at night. You can zoom out or in with the light, which is pretty cool.
Flares or triangle reflectors.
These are super simple (and budget-friendly) snap flare lights. Which means you snap the flare in half and it lights up. There are more expensive and fancy-type flares, but realistically, all you need is the simple ones.
Paper towel.
You can grab some from your home or local store. Or if you want to do subscribe and save with Amazon, that’s another great option too. You save about 5% that way.
Spray bottle with washer fluid.
Any glass cleaner will do. You can keep additional windshield wiper fluid in the trunk, but for your spray bottle, regular glass cleaner works just fine.
Tool kit basics.
You’ll want a screwdriver, pliers, adjustable wrench, pocket knife or seatbelt cutter in the car. I usually keep the seatbelt cutter in my center console in case of an emergency where I’m stuck in the driver’s seat. You can grab items from your home, or grab one of these basic car tool kits or this one with jumper cables included.
Odds and ends.
There are a few other items that don’t typically come in a roadside emergency kit, but they are great to have on hand. Especially if you get stuck for several hours.
Space blankets are super cheap for a 2-pack, are perfect for emergencies and take up very little space.
All-in-one roadside emergency kit.
You can also buy an all-in-one emergency roadside kit, and add any items that aren’t included…like motor oil, coolant, food, etc. This one from AAA is incredibly economical and includes the basics. There are bigger ones with more items as well.
Now that you have several options for creating a deployment roadside emergency kit, don’t forget to grab your free deployment binder with the worksheet inside.
Emergency kit is very important to keep you prepared when an emergency comes along the road. This is a great thing to do as a responsible car owner to make sure that you can get back to the road right away despite experiencing problems. This will keep you safe on the road.
The checklist are great that every car owner should follow through particularly when traveling.