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It’s been a while since we’ve talked about emergency preparedness.
With all the bad weather across the country, it’s time to make a car bag. This is different from a bug out bag, because those are stored in your house–which you can’t get to if something happens and you’re at work, for example.
Imagine a situation like this: you’re at work and there’s an unexpected disaster. Here in California it might be an earthquake. Maybe the main freeway is closed because of a gas leak. Or a water main break prevents you from driving on a major street by your house.
For whatever reason, the cell network is down too. You need to be able to walk to your house or a safe place and you can’t phone anyone for help.
What to Put in Your Car Bag
Start with a sturdy, nondescript backpack. Check the back-to-school sales or thriftstores. Don’t get anything flashy, or it might be stolen out of your car!
Then add these items:
- Emergency blanket
- Walking shoes and socks
- Comfortable clothes that fit your weather situation
- Energy bars (like Clif or Millennium)
- Water
- Small first aid kit
- Flashlight or headlamp and batteries
- Paper map
- Matches or lighter
Increase quantities if you work or travel far from civilization. Most people can walk 3 miles in an hour, but everyone’s going to need to rest, drink, and eat. Don’t expect to be able to walk for 10 hours straight!
As I was writing this article, Hubby said that he kept many of these items in his car when he was in high school and college. His first car was liable to break down at any time, and since there were no cell phones back then you had to be ready for anything.
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As I live where there is winter I carry candles, matches and a small wax burner as well as emergency blankets. They stay in the car at all times in a plastic zipped bag that originally held a store bought blanket. I also have a small fold up shovel.
Another helpful tip I really like is to use a child’s backpack for your GHB as someone is less likely to break into your car to take a kids school bag if visible.
I just bought a black backpack from Amazon. And one that folds up into a small bag. One I’ll pack for my car. The other will be used for day trips. You just never know what will happen. I’m thinking of getting a small tote box and wrapping it in aluminum foil for a small faraday cage in case of an EMP.
I try to keep jerky on hand at all times. I make my own. I also have other things I make for survival like situations. My HO is you can never be too prepared.
I agree, Emily. I keep my food and water in a separate zip loc bag inside my bigger bag. When I leave the car, the food/water goes with me. Everything else can stay in the car.
I want to make something like this, but I feel that in the summer I would not be able to leave this in the car because if the heat. Any suggestions?
Emily, that’s a good point. The energy bars would especially be a concern. Maybe substitute beef jerky for the energy bars?
I think you have the most important basics (off course having enough for maximum car capacity). Even though I’m in my car alone most of the time … if I have family with me I want to be sure I have emergency supplies for everyone. I would include regular blankets (making those easy tie fleece blankets and packing in a small storage bag would be great to have in addition to those thin mylar emergency blankets). The air horn and/or whistles mentioned above is great. TP and wipes will be needed! I have those solar crank flashlights. I don’t know if anyone mentioned packing an emergency NOAA radio … you can get them at all price points. With al the flooding recently having a window breaking tool could be a life saver (I have hung mine on a carbinger hung over the rear view winder with an elastic hair band. The tool I have has an emergency flasher and seat belt cutting tool on it. The other commenters also came up with great ideas. Thanks all.
I have an emergency tote box in my car at all times. A change of clothes for each person, light jackets, snacks, water, socks, shoes, sunscreen, bug spray, first aid kit, plastic bags, a backpack and tote bag, paper towels. also a large blanket to be used for warmth, tablecloth, picnic blanket, etc. In the summer I also carry swimsuits and towels for the kids. In case we drive by a spray park and they want to get wet. Has come in handy more times than not!
Awesome!
I agree with Becki about the canned candle. A good quality whistle is a good idea. Water purification tabs travel well. Another water option is a lifestraw http://www.amazon.ca/Vestergaard-LSPHF017-LifeStraw-Personal-Filter/dp/B006QF3TW4 imho you can never have too many water options. A camping cup and stand coupled with the candle would allow for a warm beverage. I’m not a prepper, but living on the West Coast, I am a strong believer in the 72 hour prep. Best option is to stay with your vehicle but if you cannot, be sure you have pen and paper and maybe a ziploc bag to contain your note saying which direction you are going.
We just picked up a free map of our state at the local Dairy Queen for our state. It also gives locations of all DQs in the state for a bonus! LOL! GREAT paper map when we need one.
It would be a good idea to include some form of self defense, IMHO, that you can use Pepper spray, or a stun gun, or whatever you are comfortable with. Some say an air horn is more effective to scare people off, if you’re in an area with other people. Personal items to help clean up in case of an accident, or slipping in the mud, like small baby wipes, and purse kleenex, with hand sanitizer would help.
Since we live in the Northeast, we always carry a small metal coffee can and lid with emergency candles and matches (or lighter) inside. It can help keep you warm or melt snow for drinking water if needed.
Love this but I added Toliet paper & pocket knife. You never know what uyou might need.
This is brilliant! I keep some of those things in my car, but I never thought to put them together (d’uh) and I haven’t had a paper map in ages. I would add a compass, too, and maybe a hat.
Loved this article – my son just turned 16 and will be driving alone next month. I am going to make sure he has this ASAP!
You have some great ideas I hadn’t thought of! (especially the PAPER map!) One additional thing I like to keep in my car is a couple of disposable plastic or vinyl ponchos. If your car breaks down in the rain or sleet, it can be a real blessing not to get soaked to the bone while you look under the hood or walk for help.