A DIY Emergency Car Kit should be something you keep in your car at all times. Being prepared for a variety of issues on the road will help to keep you and your family safe. Whether it is a long road trip or just running errands; things can happen. Sure, it could be a zombie apocalypse but more likely, severe traffic jams, car trouble, getting lost. Let’s be like the scouts and Be Prepared!
An emergency car kit that covers the basic needs of you, your family and your car will give you peace of mind when you’re on the road.
DIY Emergency Car Kit
I have broken down what you need for, your emergency car kit, into sections by the type of items. I hope this makes it easier to put the kit together.
Emergency Car Kit – Provisions
- 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 water 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.
- Non-Perishable Snacks – granola bars, R 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.
Emergency Car Kit – Cleanliness
- 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
Emergency Car Kit – Safety
- 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 & Seat Belt Cutter – 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)
Emergency Car Kit – Alerting Others
- Flares – if you slide off the road in the middle of the night, you may not be easily seen!
- Warning Triangle – again it is about being seen and alerting to a possible emergency situation.
- Cell Phone charger – consider a solar powered charger a in case your car is out of juice.
Emergency Car Kit – Comfort
- Card games (those video games run out of charge)
- Book with crossword or find a word puzzles
- Mad Libs
- Box of markers, crayons, pencils and pens
- Coloring books and/or plain paper
- A novel you love to read over and over
- A couple of folding fans – it gets hot out there!
Emergency Car Kit – Pets
- Food & Water
- Extra leash, collars
- Toys, chew toys
- Treats
Emergency Car Kit – For the car
- Jumper cables
- Coolant
- 1-2 quarts of oil
Emergency Car Kit – 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.
Emergency Car Kit – Notes
Remember to check your kit often for expired foods, dead batteries, etc. Keep in mind the weather – summer you may want more water, if you have extreme winters consider what extras you’ll need for safety and car issues.
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