Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Vehicle Emergency Kit: Items to have in an emergency!

So I've covered the types of items you should keep in a Home Emergency Kit, but what happens if you're driving when disaster strikes? Afterall, you don't plan when an emergency happens and a disaster can be as simple as running out of gas, or as complicated as getting snowed in on the highway (which happened to a number of people in a freak storm just this past winter).

So below I'll list some items that are easily packed in a duffle bag and should be left in your car's trunk. As a bonus, I'll do my best to list things you probably already have, or can obtain cheaply as to limit the cost of the kit.



Cell Phone
This is #1 on the list because with it, you might not even need to use the other items.

Folding Shovel 
Dig out snow or sand that you might be stuck in

Blanket or sleeping bag 
To retain warmth in the event you can't run the car for heat.

Sand or salt
In the event you are stuck and need the extra traction.

Road flare
To signal for help or simple warn other motorist that you're stopped on the side.

Extra clothing
To change into if you have become wet from rain/snow or to add extra layers to prevent hypothermia in case you need to spend the night in your vehicle.

Bottled Water
For drinking, hygiene or used to reconstitute dried food.

Dried food/Energy Bars
If you're stuck waiting for help for a long period a few energy bars or a packs of ramen noodles can be used to hold you over or in a pinch can be stretched out over a few days to keep your blood glucose levels up.

Stainless Steel Cup/pot and sterno burner/folding stove
A stainless steel cup or pot is invaluable as a boiling vessel to purify water, make tea, coffee or packaged food. The stove can also be used to heat the cab of the vehicle if the temperature drops. (IMPORTANT: crack a window to prevent to accumulation of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide).

Candle and empty coffee can 
A candle placed inside an empty coffee can will provide warmth and light. Same rule as above, crack a window to let fumes escape.

Tool kit / Multi-tool
You never know when a pair of pliers, screwdrivers or sturdy knife can come in handy.

Booster cables
To give or receive a boost if the vehicle battery is dead.

Ice scraper/snow brush and lock de-icer
This isn't environment dependant

Local Maps
Modern equipment is great, but a lot of people depend on their GPS devices and batteries can die. Don't get lost because you didn't have a back up.

Bic lighter
Firesteels and primitive fire making techniques are useful, but make sure there is a no-nonsense, RELIABLE way to make fire if you need it.  A $0.99 bic lighter is a no-brainer.

Flashlight and spare batteries 
To provide light, and be used as a signaling device.

First aid kit
Broad enough to cover common injuries.  Bandages, gauze, antiseptic cream, Aspirin, allergy medications and Pepto bismal.

Paper towels
Important if you need to clean up any mess, and is easily overlooked.  Doubles as tinder as well.

Garbage bags
Crawl into this as a poncho, cut it open to be used as a tarp, or simply use it as a bag if you need to move items. Use what you have, but the heavy duty 3mil construction grade bags are ideal.



Hopefully this gives you a place to start building your own kit.  The beauty of building your own instead of buying a pre-built kit, is that you become intimately familiar with the items you put in it and can easily expand or change it as the environment or needs of the kit changes.

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