Auto Emergency check list
So I was going through my notes and it reminded me that I need to dig through my trunk and make sure I have everything for an emergency.... as time goes in, things get moved, used or lost. I forgot where i got this list from but I did one year put a bookbag together of most (not all) of the items and have in time used many of the items.
Just sharing my list -
Just sharing my list -
This emergency car kit checklist covers the basics but it also has suggestions for items you may have overlooked. Consider packing these supplies for a super vehicle emergency car kit you can bring along on a spring or summer road trip, or just your next long-distance excursion with the kids:
Sanitation
- Toilet paper. Keep a 4-pack handy; remove the cardboard tubes and flatten.
- Hand sanitizer. Store in a quart-size zip-top bag to avoid leakage.
- Toothbrush, toothpaste and dental floss. Travel sizes make these easier to pack. Pack a set for each member in a zip-top bag labeled with each person’s name.
- Plastic tablecloth. This can cover questionable surfaces when you’re ready for a meal or a diaper change.
- Trash bags. These are good for lining an emergency potty, which could be a 5-gallon bucket or a toddler potty.
- Baby wipes.
- Bar of soap. Store in a zip-top bag or soap box.
- Disinfecting wipes.
- Feminine protection.
- Small box of tissues.
- Zip-top bags in different sizes. These come in handy for holding dirty laundry, dirty diapers or trash, and can even be used to hold water.
Sustenance
- Energy bars. Choose high-calorie options; they’re lightweight but provide the calories you’ll need in a small dose.
- Almonds.
- V-8 juice.
- Sport drink, premade or a mix.
- Peanut or other nut butters in foil packets.
- Jerky.
- Dried fruit.
- Applesauce/fruit cups.
- Hearty, whole wheat crackers.
- Hard candies.
- Tuna packs.
- Dry cereal.
- Jam/jelly cups.
- Trail mix. Make sure there’s no chocolate (which would melt in high temperatures).
- Shelled sunflower seeds.
Survival
- Water. A case of water bottles or cleaned 2-liter soda bottles, refilled with tap water, and tightly capped. These bottles can be reused.
- Water filter. I like the Life-Straw or PurifiCup, which are both lightweight and highly portable.
- LED flashlights and/or headlamps.
- Rain ponchos.
- Emergency radio. Choose a model that is both solar- and battery-powered.
- Heavy-duty trash bags.
- Reflective emergency blanket/sleeping bag.
- Duct tape. (There’s always a use for duct tape.)
- Fleece blankets. I roll these up and store them under the back seat for easiest access. They can be used as a window shade, ground cover, changing pad and in so many other ways.
- Tarp.
- Paracord. 50 yards, or more. Paracord is a lightweight nylon, general purpose utility rope.
- Multi-purpose knife.
- Extra batteries. For everything in your kit that requires a battery.
- Hand/foot warmers.
- Work gloves.
- Small shovel.
- Fire-starters, such as waterproof matches, flint or a Blast Match, which shoots sparks with three times the heat of a standard match.
- Multi-tool.
- Binoculars.
- Light sticks. These are great to keep the kids entertained but also helpful for keeping track of them after dark.
- Maps.
- High quality first-aid kit.
- Bandannas.
- Small pair of scissors.
- Collapsible nylon bag or small backpack. If you ever have to leave your vehicle for safer ground, this will enable you to take the most essential items with you.
- Shoelaces.
- Walking shoes for each member of the family. You’ll give thanks for having sturdy, comfortable shoes stashed in the car if you ever have to hoof it to safety.
- Floppy cotton hat.
- Sunblock.
- Medications. Make sure you only pack those that aren’t temperature-sensitive.
- Face mask. Even a simple dust mask comes in handy around a forest fire or high level of smog.
- Bug repellent.
- Moleskin.
- Survival and first aid manuals.
Security
- Whistle.
- Cash, coins. Power outages also take out ATM machines. Having cash for gas, a restaurant meal or hotel room might put you ahead of those who only have a debit or credit card.
- Disposable camera. This could be very helpful in documenting a car accident, license plates, injuries or storm damage.
- Pepper spray. This is good bear spray if your travels take you through bear country.
- Emergency phone numbers on a laminated card.
Sanity
- Deck of cards.
- Foam ear plugs.
- Books on CD, paperbacks.
- Inspirational or motivational book.
- Small journal/pen or pencil.
- Lip balm.
- Battery-powered fan.
I keep my emergency kit packed in an opaque, under-the-bed bin that fits perfectly in the back of my SUV. To help with organization and keep track of inventory, I keep a laminated copy of this checklist on top of everything. Once your list is laminated, use a china marker to keep track of what you have packed in the kit.