Since a roadside emergency can occur at any time, it’s vital for vehicles to keep a car emergency kit handy.

Ron Young, district press officer for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, said a basic kit should include nonperishable food, water, blanket, small shovel and warm clothes.

“When preparing an emergency kit, motorists should take into account special needs of passengers such as baby food, pet supplies or medications and pack accordingly,” Young said.

Ready PA has provided suggestions for a kit:

• An ice scraper and snow brush; warm clothes (coat, scarf, hat, and gloves) and blankets; hand warmers; small folding shovel; and a bag of cat litter/sand for traction.

• A cellular phone and charger.

• A first aid kit with bandages (assorted sizes), gauze pads, triangular bandages, hypoallergenic adhesive tape; roller bandages; scissors; tweezers; needle; safety razor blade; safety pins and moist towelettes

• Fire extinguisher

• Warning light, hazard triangle or flares

• Tire gauge

• Jack and lug wrench

• Foam tire sealant or a portable compressor and plug kit

• Spare fuses

• Jumper cables or a portable battery booster

• Weatherproof flashlight

• Gloves, hand cleaner and clean rags

• $20 in small bills and change

• Pen and pad of paper

• Basic tools

• Extra clothing

• Water and nonperishable emergency food

• Help sign