| If you own a vehicle, as most of us do these | | | | Ice scraper, shovel, brush |
| days, it is important to keep an emergency | | | | Booster or jumper cables, tow chain, traction |
| survival kit in it at all times. It should be kept | | | | mats |
| someplace where it can be easily accessed | | | | Basic car repair kit |
| (perhaps under the front passenger seat). Since | | | | Sand or salt for tire traction - kitty litter also |
| you are usually located within close proximity of | | | | works well |
| your vehicle, you can easily gain immediate access | | | | Duct tape and knife or multi-purpose tool |
| to your emergency supplies in a disaster situation. | | | | Warning lights, road flares or a strip of red |
| Many types of disasters can strike while you are | | | | cloth to tie on to the car antenna |
| in your car - snow or ice storms in winter, floods | | | | Cell phone |
| in spring, and hurricanes, tornados or lightning | | | | Whistle |
| storms in summer and fall. Your survival will | | | | Playing cards, books, games or other items |
| depend on how well you have prepared ahead. | | | | that do not require batteries |
| Just like a home emergency survival kit, every | | | | You may want to add a few items to be used in |
| car emergency kit should contain the basics - | | | | case of an accident. Some extra items may |
| water, food, shelter, warmth and first aid for one | | | | include a disposable camera, and a pad of paper |
| person (or family) to survive for 72 hours. Basic | | | | and pencil or pen to record the scene and any |
| tools for car repair and maintenance should also | | | | witness information. |
| be included. When you create your emergency | | | | Some personal items might also come in handy. |
| car kit, you can personalize it to your own needs. | | | | You might want to consider the following: |
| You may need to add an extra pair of glasses, | | | | Blush, lipstick and mascara |
| baby or pet items or prescription medications. | | | | Razor and shaving cream |
| Your car survival kit should be in a backpack or | | | | Sanitary knapkins and/or tampons |
| bag small enough to fit in your car. It should | | | | Hairbrush or comb |
| include: | | | | These items are not necessarily essential to your |
| Food (granola bars, dried fruit, crackers, etc. - | | | | survival but they can go a long way to improving |
| avoid items that will melt or spoil quickly) and | | | | your emotional balance thus helping you to cope |
| water for 72 hours - keep all items well sealed | | | | with a little more optimism. Let's face it. The |
| Blankets (wool is best but if it is too itchy try | | | | better you feel the more likely you will be able to |
| a solar blanket) or a down sleeping bag | | | | deal with the situation. |
| Hat (most heat is lost through the head), | | | | Although it can seem like a daunting task to put a |
| scarf, mittens (best) or gloves, boots (extra | | | | survival kit together, it can actually be a very |
| clothing} | | | | easy and interesting project. The greatest |
| First-aid kit - including personal medications | | | | challenge can be organizing your kit with the least |
| AM/FM radio and extra batteries or hand | | | | amount of layout of cash. Start by looking around |
| crank type (no batteries required) | | | | your home for those items you already have. |
| Candles and waterproof matches or a lighter | | | | Add a few items each week if you need to buy |
| Flashlight and spare batteries or hand crank | | | | things. Food and water are the most important |
| type | | | | items, followed by a blanket or sleeping bag for |
| Toothbrushes, toothpaste, toilet paper | | | | keeping warm. If you are not interested in |
| Soap and/or hand sanitizer | | | | organizing your own kit, you can purchase one |
| Pet supplies and proper documentation | | | | already made and just add any extra items you |
| (license, immunization records) | | | | want included in your pack. |
| Antifreeze to keep the gas from freezing - | | | | One important tip: Remember to always let |
| can also be used in place of windshield wiper fluid | | | | someone know what time you left and what time |
| Axe or hatchet (a hammer might also be | | | | you expect to arrive at your destination. By |
| useful) | | | | taking these precautions, you can prepare your |
| Compass and maps | | | | family for an emergency and feel more confident |
| Type ABC fire extinguisher | | | | as you travel. |