Sep 14 2008
Emergency Stuff to Keep in the Car
Emergency Stuff to Keep in the Car
To assemble this list I examined what I like to carry along for emergencies. Obviously, you will want to adjust what you include based on the season of the year, where you live, and what one might want to have on hand for weekend trips (or longer). The extremes of summer in the desert and winter in the mountains will require extra attention be paid to this list, as it is by no means all-inclusive:
First Aid Kit with extra elastic wraps and large gauze pads. Add snake bite kit in summer and, in winter, have some of those little heating bags you crush for wearing in your ski boots and gloves.
Axe, bucket and shovel. Required for travel in any mountain state. A good idea anywhere.
Hammer (I keep a 20-ounce with straight claw)
Leatherman tool, plus an assortment of other screwdrivers, blades and wrenches (whatever you have room for in a $20 tool bag).
Flashlight (Big enough that you need at least two D batteries)
Flares, road type.
Tow line made of nylon, usually. These come with big hooks at each end.
Jack and lug wrench for changing tires. (Better check just to make sure the lug wrench FITS and that you know how to operate the jack, especially in the dark.)
Tarp (I recommend 6’x10’)
Gloves, Leather
Gloves, Rubberized (these are waterproof for working outside in winter snow, etc.)
Rope nylon. Fifty feet of it. You just never know.
Twine. A standard ball of it, because it can be used in first aid, and is a way to start a fire too)
Bungee cords. I like the nylon type that are flat and have plastic hooks. Also good for first aid as in securing a splint to arm or leg.
Butane lighters or torches. Waterproof matches are ok too.
Red flag, plastic, like you hang at the end of an oversized load. Good for signaling that you need help, and you can secure it from the driver side window to alert other drivers.
Tire Chains for winter traction. (Practice putting them on in the dark.) Don’t you dare believe that four-wheel drive is all you will ever need in the mountains.
Sleeping bag (I think I prefer this over the little shiny and thin ”space blankets”)
Energy Bars (There are other high-energy foods, like granola and carrots, if you don’t like energy bars)
Drinking water (bring a gallon per person)
And, remember the cell phone with a charger that works in the car.
If you have additional suggestions, please Comment.
