Updated
Key Takeaways
- Keep a charged phone, flashlight, water and season-appropriate supplies
- Give a precise location and description of the vehicle problem
- Assess traffic, fire and other hazards before choosing where to wait
- Call 911 for an immediate emergency
Prepare for a roadside problem before you travel. Keep useful supplies, the vehicle manual, current coverage details and a way to describe your location. IC Roadside & Key offers 24/7 towing, lockouts, usable-spare changes and battery jumps; replacement tires require a separate availability check. Save (319) 936-2108 for a quote.
Essential Items for Your Emergency Kit
Every vehicle in Iowa should carry these items year-round:
- Suitable jump-start equipment — Carry equipment you know how to use with your vehicle and follow its instructions.
- Flashlight with extra batteries — Keep a light available for darkness or poor visibility.
- Warning equipment — Keep suitable warning equipment, but do not walk into traffic or expose yourself to place it.
- Basic tool kit — A socket set, pliers, screwdrivers, and a tire pressure gauge cover most minor fixes.
- First aid kit — Bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers, and any personal medications.
- Phone charger — A portable battery bank keeps your phone alive when you need to call for help.
- Water and non-perishable snacks — Granola bars and bottled water can sustain you during a long wait.
Winter-Specific Additions
Iowa winters demand extra preparation:
- Ice scraper and snow brush
- Bag of sand or kitty litter — Provides traction if your tires are stuck on ice.
- Warm blanket or sleeping bag
- Extra gloves, hat, and hand warmers
- Small shovel — A collapsible shovel fits easily in the trunk.
What to Do During a Roadside Emergency
Pull Over Safely
Move as far off the road as possible. Turn on your hazard lights immediately. If you are on a highway like I-80 or I-380, try to reach the next exit or a wide shoulder area.
Assess the Situation
Determine whether you can fix the problem yourself or need professional help. A tire you can change is different from a smoking engine.
Call for Help
Call (319) 936-2108 with your vehicle, exact location and the service you need. The owner confirms suitability, availability, the quote and an estimated arrival time before dispatch. Towing, lockouts, usable-spare changes and battery jumps are available 24/7. Confirm replacement-tire availability separately.
Stay Visible and Stay in Your Vehicle
Choose a waiting place based on the actual hazard. Avoid standing beside moving traffic. Smoke, fire, rising water or other immediate danger can make remaining in a vehicle unsafe; contact emergency services and follow their directions.
Save This Number
The best time to prepare for an emergency is before it happens. Add IC Roadside & Key to your phone contacts right now: (319) 936-2108. We are here for Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, Coralville, North Liberty, and every community in between, 24 hours a day.