What should an emergency car kit carry? That list is as varied and individual as the person creating the kit. Even if you buy a commercially-prepared 72-hour emergency kit, you will still want to personalize it with items that you consider vital in an emergency. For instance, if you have a baby you may want to include formula, baby food and diapers in your kit.
If you are preparing for driving emergencies on a budget then look around the house for items that can stock the bag. For a bag, a diaper bag or small duffle is perfect. I've found black diaper bags are garage sales for about a buck. They are perfect for all types of emergency preparedness kits, such as; 72-hour emergency kits, emergency first aid kits, winter survival kits, emergency office kits and school emergency bags.
Things to include:
- Water - two or three bottle of water
- Food - Cracker/cheese combos, granola bars, jerky, fruit leathers, etc.
- Blanket
- Towel
- Gloves
- Folding shovel
- Multi-purpose tool or a lock-back knife and a pair of pliers and a screwdriver
- Emergency flares
- Booster cables (jumper cables)
- Rope
- Can of fix-a-flat
- Matches in a waterproof container
- First aid kit
- Kitty litter or road salt in a small bag
If you drive any distance between home and work or live in an area subject to cold weather, you might want to consider an extra bag that contains a pair of walking shoes, socks, a scarf or hat and sunglasses. Ladies, who often wear dresses, may want to toss a pair of jeans or even sweat pants in this bag.
As you can see the ideal emergency car kit will contain the items that you think you can't do without in an emergency. While it's probably not possible to be prepared for every emergency, you can certainly be prepared to almost any eventuality.
