Items to keep in vehicle in case of El Nino-related roadside emergencies

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- The Automobile Club of Southern California recommends keeping seven important items in your vehicle in case of El Nino-related roadside emergencies.

Triple AAA recommends packing cold weather gear, including a jacket, closed-toed shoes, gloves and a blanket.

If you have to get out of your vehicle and walk to a safe location during a disaster, you may be stuck walking in the dark. Triple AAA recommends keeping a flashlight and extra batteries in your vehicle.

The motor club also advises people keep bottled water and non-perishable snacks in their vehicle.

For proper emergency preparedness, Triple AAA says you should also keep a first-aid kid in your vehicle. Those taking prescription medications should also make sure to keep extra handy.

A cellphone, a car charger and extra batteries are also important to have close.

Experts also suggest carrying a jumper cable and tire chains in your trunk in case you need to get around debris in the roadway.

Now is the time to get your vehicle ready for a rainy season, Triple AAA says. Change your windshield wipers because they may have cracked in the heat and check that your brakes are in good shape.

Lastly, check your tires because even moderate tire treads can cause skidding.