by J. A. Tiscareno

February 4, 2024

In an unpredictable world, being prepared for emergencies is crucial, and one often-overlooked aspect is ensuring your vehicle is equipped to handle unexpected situations. Taking the time to get your car emergency kit ready for these unforeseen situations is an investment in your safety and peace of mind. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll ensure that your vehicle is well-equipped to handle unexpected natural catastrophic events, giving you the confidence to navigate through challenges. Remember, preparedness is the key to resilience, and a well-prepared car is a valuable ally in times of need.

Emergency Essentials Kit

1. Create an Emergency Kit with the following items:

• First aid supplies
• Flashlights and extra batteries
• Multi-tool and utility knife
• Emergency blankets
• Non-perishable snacks and water bottles
• Basic tool kit
• Reflective vests
• Jumper cables (While your own vehicle may be a hybrid or all electric vehicle that cannot use traditional jumper cables, you never know if you may need to aid someone who still drives a traditional fossil fuel vehicle that uses a standard car battery.
• Tire repair kit or spare tire (If your automatable uses “run flat” tires, be sure your emergency kit includes the auto manufacturer’s mini-compressor kit complete with fresh tire sealant fluid.)
• Jack and lug wrench
• Tire pressure gauge

2. Organizing and Storing Your Emergency Kit:

• Use a sturdy, crushproof container (like the Sagan Life® AquaBrick® Food and Water Storage Container or drawstring/zippable bag. A backpack makes an excellent choice of bag in the event you need to leave your vehicle and take some of your emergency staples and tools with you. Store your Emergency Evacuation Supplies Kit in an easily accessible location and regularly check and/or update supplies.

Vehicle Maintenance for Preparedness

Run Routine Maintenance Checks on your Automobile:

• Oil changes and fluid levels
• Tire pressure and tread depth
• Brake system inspection
• Battery health
• Lights and signals

Weather-Related Preparedness

1. Winter Preparedness:

• Installing snow tires
• Carrying a snow shovel and ice scraper
• Adding antifreeze to the radiator
• Packing warm blankets, umbrellas, and clothing

2. Summer Preparedness:

• Checking and topping off coolant levels
• Carrying extra water or have a portable water filtration device

Communication and Navigation

1. Communication Tools:

• Fully charged cell phone with portable charger. Having a USB chargeable battery cell is a great solution to being able to repower your mobile phone until you can get to a location where a traditional wall plugin charger can be used.
• Two-way radios or walkie-talkies
• Emergency radio with NOAA weather alerts
• A printed emergency contact list in the event your mobile device cannot be used, and you only have access to traditional landline devices.

2. Navigation Aids:

• GPS device or smartphone navigation apps
• Paper maps of local areas
• Compass

Essential Documentation (Note – These items should never be left in the car, particularly during non-emergency situations. Take them with you as you leave your home to evacuate to safety):

• Personal identification (ID, passport, driver’s license)
• Emergency contact list. Have a printed version as mobile devices may not be functional during an emergency
• Medical records and insurance information
• Proof of residence

Survival Supplies

1. Water and Hydration:

• Some water filtration products such as the Sagan Life® AquaBrick® Water Filtration System, The XStream Straw or RapidFlo Survival Filter are smart options for being able to quickly purify water from any non-saltwater source and know that the water you consume is safe, great tasting water when typical public water supplies are not available.
• Durable, leakproof and crushproof water containers
• Hydration packs if you plan on walking or hiking a great distance to get to a safe location
• If your situation involves having to boil water to wash hands, dishes, and eating utensils or prepare dehydrated emergency foods, having a camp stove such as the Kelly Kettle Basecamp, Scout, or Trekker that can heat using natural fuel materials and negates the need to carry extra fossil fuel cartridges can make a difference in survival.

2. Non-Perishable Food:

• Energy bars
• Trail mix
• Canned goods with easy-open lids
• MREs (Meals Ready-to-Eat)

3. Shelter and Clothing:

• Lightweight and compact tent or tarp
• Sleeping bags or blankets
• Extra clothing appropriate for the climate (jackets, rain gear, hiking footwear, hats)

Navigation and Direction

• Paper maps of the local area and evacuation routes in the event a connection to the Internet is unavailable
• Compass for navigation

Pet and Child Essentials

1. Pet Supplies:

• Pet food and water
• Leash and collar
• Carrier or travel crate
• Any medicines or other medical items your pet requires.
• If you need to travel outside of your general neighborhood to evacuate, having a copy of your pet’s veterinary records is helpful, particularly if your pet has special health needs.

2. Child-Specific Items:

• Baby formula and supplies
• Diapers and wipes
• Comfort items (blankets, toys)
• Your baby’s medical records in the event you need to journey outside your general neighborhood to evacuate.

Personal Safety and Security

1. Personal Protection:

• Self-defense items (pepper spray, personal alarm)
• Prescription glasses or contact lenses (including saline solution and lens cases)
• Sunscreen and insect repellent

2. Important Valuables:

• Cash (small bills)
• Important documents in a waterproof container. The Sagan Life® AquaBrick® Food and Water Storage Container makes a wonderful waterproof container due to its crushproof, leakproof, airtight features. It even floats!

Regularly Update and Review

• Check expiration dates on food and medications
• Replace batteries in flashlights and other devices
• Update emergency contact information
• Always have your vehicle regularly inspected for fluids, brakes, battery, and tires so that you are not impacted or hindered during an emergency evacuation incident.
• Once you receive the evacuation notice, be sure and check with your local government and first responders as to the current evacuation procedures. Be ready to change plans should your emergency evacuation planning authorities instruct you to do so.

Conclusion

Ensuring your car is equipped with the essential items for an emergency evacuation is a proactive step towards personal safety and preparedness. By following the recommendations in this guide, you can create a comprehensive Auto Emergency Preparedness Kit tailored to your needs, giving you the confidence to face unexpected challenges and navigate through evacuation situations with resilience and efficiency. Remember, preparation is the key to a safe escape, and having a well-stocked vehicle can be the difference between uncertainty and a secure path to safety.