Breaking down is inconvenient anywhere, but breaking down in the Arizona desert can be life-threatening. The temperature inside a stalled car can reach 140°F in minutes. Having a properly stocked emergency kit isn't just about car repair; it's about personal survival until help arrives.
ESSENTIAL KIT ITEMS
- Water (Lots of it): Keep at least 1 gallon per person in your trunk. Dehydration sets in rapidly.
- Portable Charger: Your phone is your lifeline. Keep a fully charged power bank in your glove box.
- Umbrella: It’s not just for monsoons—it’s portable shade if you have to wait outside.
- Electrolytes: Powdered hydration packs can save your life in cases of heat exhaustion.
- Flares or Triangles: High-speed visibility on the I-10 is a requirement for safety.
Check your kit every 6 months. Plastic water bottles degrade in the Arizona heat, and batteries in your flashlight can leak. Stay prepared, stay safe.