Creating An Emergency Car Kit

Emergencies happen and it is important to be prepared for a variety of issues when on the road.  But let’s not just prepare for a long trip – emergencies can happen while we’re running errands.  It isn’t just zombie apocalypse but flat tires, serious traffic jams, getting lost, etc…go Boy Scout and Be Prepared!

Create a kit that covers the basic needs of you, your family and your car; giving  peace of mind.

Provisions (aka food & hydration) 

• Water – I know plastic is taboo but it is better than dehydrating.  Think about having at least 1 gallon per person in the car.  Smaller bottles are
  better, especially if you have to get out and walk.  If you want to take this to the next level you could consider Life Straws for each person.
• Sports Drinks – if you’re in a hot climate it may be a good idea to add drinks that will help you with energy and hydration.  You can get these in powder form so they take up less room.
• Snacks – granola bars, Lara bars, nuts, dried fruit, cracker packets, jerky.  Thinks long shelf life and easy to eat without utensils.
• Hard Candies – sure it is a sweet treat but it can also keep your mouth moist.

Cleanliness (you might just have to…)

• Toilet Paper (2 rolls minimum) – because you might get stuck without facilities or need to wipe a nose
• Baby Wipes – good for bottoms sure, but sticky fingers, dirty faces and hands, etc
• Hand Sanitizer – again, no facilities may make cleanliness difficult
• Pads & Tampons – ladies, you  know “it” happens at the worse time
• Garbage Bags – because it is better to seal up stinky trash, clothes, etc  AND can serve as a rain poncho if the need arises
• Change of clothes for each person (remember to change these out with the seasons) and don’t forget underwear, socks and shoes.  For cooler weather add gloves, knit hats and for warmer weather sun hats and sunglasses would be good.
• Sunblock & chap stick

Safety (owies & scary stuff)

• Flashlight – one per person if you have the space
• Extra batteries for said flashlight
• Fully stocked First Aid Kit
• Sunscreen
• Prescription medications – you could be stuck for a day and you don’t need to add to the emergency with a health crisis
• Duck Tape – because we all know there are a million uses for it!
• Swiss Army Knife – or something of the like
• Pepper Spray – you may never use it but good to have in the need of it
• Whistle – alert people if you’re hidden and need help
• Emergency Glass Breaker – God forbid you crash into water, you may not be able to get your window down or broken.  KEEP THIS CLOSE & NOT IN THE KIT!
• A bit of cash because not everyone takes a debit or credit card
• Consider a portable, battery powered radio (again with extra batteries)

Comfort (aka Don’t Kill the Kids)

• Card games (those video games run out of charge)
• Book with crossword or find a word puzzles
• Big Book of Mad Libs
• Box of markers and pens
• Coloring books
• A novel you love to read over and over
• A couple of folding fans

Pets – if you have your pets with you often you need to consider their health and safety too

• Food & Water
• Extra leash, collars
• Toys, chew toys
• Treats

For the car

• Jumper cables
• Coolant
• 1-2 quarts of oil

Storing it All

Anything will do as long as it doesn’t take up your entire trunk or back space.  But plastic bins are good to keep out water and pests.  I like the low profile bins that will slip under seats.

Notes

Remember to check your kit often for expired foods, dead batteries, etc.  You can go more extreme too – but this is a good place to start!

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