Vehicle Safety Kit

The following is my plan for my vehicle. I would suggest that you spend a bit of time researching what is best for your vehicle. I spend a fair bit of time on road trips and on isolated back roads, so my list will include items for when I’m out on the road as well as just running an errand.

CASH: Most of us do not carry cash these days, it is just smart to have some emergency cash on hand. Be sure to replace it if you use it. Necessary Medications: Be sure to have extra if you are going on a road trip or on back roads. I literally carry my meds and essential oils in a bag with me, everywhere I go. WINTER:

• ice scraper
  

• snow brush
  

• snow shovel
  

• tow chain/strap/rope
  

• traction mats - Take them out of your car, place them close to each tire, and inch over them.
  

• tire chains – try them out to be sure they fit ahead of time
  

STAYING WARM:

• wool blankets – if you are going on a road trip or on isolated back roads break out the sleeping bags
  

• space blankets – these rip easily, have several
  

• space blanket bags like Tact Bivvy
  

• hand warmers
  

• ponchos
  

• extra hats, mittens, gloves, socks – a full change of clothing is a great idea! I keep my gym bag that is full of clothes in my vehicle.
  

• good shoes for walking long distances or winter boots – in case you must walk in the snow.
  

SIGNALLING/LIGHT:

• LED flashlight with extra batteries
  

• strobe light with extra batteries
  

• candle lantern with extra candles and waterproof matches in a watertight container
  

• emergency flares
  

• reflectors
  

• 2 fluorescent distress flags
  

• whistle or air horn to attract attention and save your voice
  

TOOLS ETC.:

• rescue tool – that has both a seat belt cutter and a window breaker
  

• booster cables – better quality, don’t buy cheap – at least 12 feet long or an emergency
  

• battery booster
  

• tarp to kneel on to save from wetness and keep you from losing tools
  

• tool kit specific for your vehicle or that includes a small wrench set, socket set, pliers, screwdrivers, electrical tape, tire pressure gauge, jack, and spare fuses
  

• multi-tool
  

• pocket knife
  

• cellphone car charger
  

• empty fuel container
  

• duct tape
  

• WD-40
  

• paracord
  

• multi-use shovel
  

• bolt cutters
  

SAFETY:

• fire extinguisher and mount – suggestion: Kidde dry chemical or Halotron ABC – Be sure to turn the extinguisher upside down periodically to loosen the chemicals that settle at the bottom
  

• first aid kit – a fairly comprehensive one, not just a little boo boo kit
  

• pepper spray - if allowed in your state
  

• actual map – yes, the paper kind
  

• extra vehicle fluids
  

• Spare tire: An actual tire, NOT a doughnut tire – If you have room this is the best route to go. Remember that tires deteriorate in 5 years' time.
  

FOOD AND WATER:

• water, try to keep this in the warm part of your vehicle. If you have room like I do, keep a small reusable water bottle and a larger one to refill. Plastic water bottles do not store indefinitely and plastic can leach in, remember to rotate often if you use them.
  

• lifestraw for drinking water or melted snow
  

• emergency camp stove, fuel, and pan set for heating up food or melting water
  

• MREs, high-quality energy bars, calorie-dense dried snacks like jerkey, dried fruit, nuts/seeds, and grain free-granola. Remember to rotate food out before it spoils. MREs can go bad in the hotter months so remember to replace them when summer is over. Pouch meals like Wild Zora, Peak Refuel, Backpacker’s Pantry, Mountain House, Wise Camping Food, Patriot Pantry, or homemade Thrive Life food pouches.
  

• a stove or a way to heat up water for pouch meals if no stove
  

COMFORT:

• baby wipes – if you get stuck for a long period it will be nice to be clean. Extra wipes and diapers for little ones.
  

• things to do if you have kids. A paperback book for you.
  

• toilet paper – if you forget this on a road trip I guarantee something crazy will happen…lol
  

• battery-powered radio – so you have some clue what is going on in the rest of the world without draining your vehicle battery
  

• backpack – usually you should stay put until rescued, but if you must leave your car you will need to take supplies with you!

TIPS: BEFORE A ROAD TRIP OR DRIVING THROUGH ISOLATED AREAS:

Be sure to share with friends or family where you are going, what route you plan to take, and when you think you will be back. CALLING 911: Be sure to give them full information: name, location, and condition of everyone in your vehicle. Do not hang up, follow their instructions! Most likely they will tell you to stay where you are. Do not get impatient and leave the car before help arrives. If you simply must leave the vehicle because you could not call out or are having a dire emergency that will not allow you to stay in the car, leave a visible note either on the dash or close by stating your name, address, phone number, and destination. Pack your backpack with supplies to take with you. This is discouraged, however, because it is very easy to get lost, exhausted, or hurt (especially in a storm). Remember that text messaging can be more reliable than voice, if you cannot get a call out, try texting. CAR TIPS: If you are on a road trip, on back roads, or in a severe storm make sure that your supplies can keep you sustained for at least one day per person. Keep your gas tank as full as possible, never let it get below a half tank. Gas up before you leave. Keep your vehicle well serviced, fluids full, and oil changed. Most vehicle emergencies can be prevented just by keeping your vehicle in good condition. If you store your emergency kit in the trunk, be sure you can get to it if the trunk becomes frozen or jammed. WHEN YOU’RE STUCK: Stay as dry as possible. Change clothes if you get wet. Be sure to avoid over-exertion. Shoveling snow or trying to push your car out can do two things. You can get super sweaty and susceptible to hypo/hyperthermia and/or you can exhaust yourself in the efforts and put yourself at risk for injury or heart attack. Keep your vehicle's exhaust pipe free of snow in winter, snow can plug it up and cause deadly carbon monoxide gas to fill your car. Stay warm by running your car engine for heat for only 10 minutes per hour. Crack your window for fresh air while running your engine. Use your blankets and anything else you have packed to keep you warm in between warm blasts of air. If you use candles or a camping stove, crack your window for fresh air. Put your fluorescent flags out, and hang one on each side out the windows. At night, if you are with someone, take turns keeping watch for help. Keep the vehicle lit inside so rescuers can see the light. Do not fall asleep with candles lit. To reduce battery drain, use flashers only if you see or hear approaching rescuers. A strobe light will reduce your need to use the flashers. A FINAL IMPORTANT NOTE: SKILLS AND PRACTICE: Do you know how to change a flat tire? Do you know how to use all the items on this list? Be sure to take the time to learn what skills you are lacking and the time to practice with all these items in your emergency kit. Without skills and practice, this kit will not help you as much as it could. Skills and practice also bring you the self-confidence that you will need to remain calm in an emergency. Happy and safe travels!

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