| If you are like most Americans, you spend a lot | | | | Your car emergency kit should contain at least |
| of time in your car. What if something happened | | | | one complete change of clothes and one extra |
| that forced you to have to stay with your car | | | | pair of shoes. This will allow you to have |
| for several days? Would you be prepared? Such | | | | something dry to change into should the clothes |
| scenarios are not far-fetched. In fact, it could be | | | | you are wearing become wet. |
| something as simple as a bad car accident that | | | | Light |
| could leave you stranded on the highway for 12 | | | | You will want to keep some source of light in |
| hours or so. | | | | your kit. It is a good idea to have a couple of |
| Other potential situations that could leave you | | | | options. Light sticks are inexpensive and don't |
| stranded include an unexpected snowstorm or | | | | take up much room. Keep a few of those in your |
| some type of civil unrest that would make going | | | | kit. Also, a hand cranked or solar flashlight should |
| back to your home unsafe. Having an emergency | | | | be included as well. |
| kit in your car could make all of the difference | | | | Other Items |
| should you find yourself in a situation where you | | | | Other items that you should consider including in |
| must remain with your car. | | | | your car emergency kit are a knife, a hand |
| Here are some of the items that should be | | | | cranked or solar radio, personal hygiene items, |
| included in an emergency kit that is left in your | | | | pen and paper, a whistle, a compass, an extra |
| car at all times. | | | | pair of glasses, some reading materials, and a |
| Food and Water | | | | simple tube tent. |
| You should have at least a three day supply of | | | | Of course, an emergency car kit should also |
| food and water. MRE's or freeze dried foods in | | | | contain items for dealing with a dead battery and |
| pouches are good options for your car | | | | a flat tire. Be sure you know how to change a |
| emergency kit. There are water pouches available | | | | tire and consider adding a battery charger to your |
| that take up less room than bottles, but bottles | | | | kit in case you need to jump your battery and |
| work just fine as well. | | | | there is no one around to help you. |
| Also, keep some hard candies in your kit as they | | | | If you frequently travel with your pet, it is a good |
| keep well and are good for providing a quick burst | | | | idea to keep a few days' supply of items that |
| of sugar. | | | | they would need as well. |
| Warmth | | | | For storage, some people keep a plastic storage |
| You should keep either a couple of wool blankets | | | | bin in the back of their car. It is a good idea to |
| or a sleeping bag in your car. If you have to | | | | have as many of the items as possible stored in |
| spend a night in the car, you'll need these items | | | | a backpack. That way, should you have to leave |
| for warmth. | | | | your car, you would be able to easily carry most |
| It is also a good idea to keep a few hand and | | | | of your emergency items. |
| foot warmers in your kit. A simple fire starter is | | | | Also, as part of always being prepared, you |
| another good addition for a mobile emergency kit. | | | | should never let your car get below a half of a |
| First Aid | | | | tank of gas. The closer to full you keep it, the |
| You will want to keep at least a basic first aid kit | | | | better. |
| in your car. Some people choose to include more | | | | It's easy to put together an emergency kit for |
| elaborate kits, but having at least a basic kit is a | | | | your car. A little preparation now could make a |
| necessity. | | | | world of difference should you ever face an |
| Extra Clothes | | | | emergency in your car. |