The team at Danburg Properties of Boca Raton generally don’t have to travel far to work with our clients and tenants in our commercial, office and warehouse space across the southern Palm Beach County market. Yet, an online story we read recently discussing the items all drivers should carry in their cars piqued our interest. Whether driving around town or heading out on a road trip, these are smart tools to have around.

The author mentioned a spare key hidden outside the car, jumper cables in the trunk, and even a “T-style” lug wrench for removing stuck nuts in the event of a flat tire (some would say a AAA card in the wallet would eliminate the need for the T-wrench). The author also mentioned a shovel, duct tape, gas cans, water, food, even a change of clothes or rain gear or cold weather apparel.

While those last few may seem a bit excessive – or better suited for a road trip, the article did raise the question: What should you have in your car in the event of an emergency.

To be sure, the T-wrench is a good idea for those inclined to DIY fixing a flat. The T-wrench affords more leverage when trying to remove stubborn lug nuts than the wrench that often comes standard with most vehicles. Jumper cables are important, whether for your dead battery – or your efforts to be a Good Samaritan for someone in a pinch.

A spare key or remote entry fob can be convenient in case yours is lost or shorts out.

A small flashlight in the glove compartment or purse is a smart possession to have on hand. A first aid kit kept in the trunk can be used in the event of an accident, whether you’re involved – or happen across one. Flashers, reflectors or flares can help warn oncoming traffic if your car breaks down.

Other items can be vital, especially in South Florida, where inclement weather, road hazards, and the network of lakes, canals, waterways, and other hazards can threaten a driver’s safety.

Some people carry an emergency tool to escape the vehicle in case of an emergency. It can be as simple as a small hammer tucked into the door pocket or glove compartment. Should the car plunge into water and short-circuit the electric windows, the hammer can be used to break the glass. Once water fills much of the passenger compartment, occupants can more easily open the doors or clear out the windows to escape.

Another device, often found together with a hammer or glass breaker, is the seat belt cutter. If the seat belt buckle becomes stuck, the cutter slices the belt itself.

Together, these tools may marketed as an Emergency Window Punch or an emergency seatbelt cutter. Even a sturdy, metal folding or pocket knife can accomplish much the same task.

Another tool is the BodyGard. This device includes a seat belt cutter, a glass punch, as well as a sonic alarm, an LED flashlight and a bright red distress flasher. The device is small enough to fit on a keychain.

Of course, use of these devices in such an emergency would require calmness in the face of disaster.

And with most of these situations, a AAA card or road side assistance plan with your insurance company or car’s manufacturer might be a good investment.