Mini-Challenges: Car Carried Disaster Kit

We have spent the last several challenges covering our Disaster Supplies Kits for our homes. However, we may not always be at home when an emergency or disaster strikes. So, for our March 15 mini challenge, we are going to work on putting together a car carried disaster supplies kit.

This kit will not be as large or as elaborate as your home kit, but should contain similar supplies. Some countries (and states) require that drivers carry certain emergency supplies in their car (such as warning triangles or flares, first aid kits, etc). Consider keeping all or some of these items in your car (depending on legal requirements or restrictions in your area, and your own personal needs).

• First Aid Kit: You can usually purchase one (some made "especially" for cars) at a local auto parts store or discount chain.
• Water: keep a few water bottles (make sure that they are sealed), just in case. Make sure that you check them often (for evaporation and expiration), and rotate them occassionally.
• Food: Consider items that last a long time and are high energy (and compact), such as emergency rations, granola bars, dehydrated fruit. Just make sure that you check dates and rotate often.
• Tools: Having a wrench, tie iron, jumper cables, etc can be handy should there be an emergency or you run into car trouble.
• Emergency Hammer: These speciality tools are meant to help you free yourself in the event that your car is in an accident, or especially if you become trapped in your vehicle in water. They usually contain a cutting edge (to help free stuck seat belts), a special hammer (which can break safety glass), and a light.
• Protective Gear: Some countries (like Germany) require that drivers carry at least one reflective vest in their car. Consider other items like a rain poncho or suit (nothing more miserable than changing a flat in the rain), knee pads, etc.
• Flashlight: When your car dies in the middle of the night, or you are forced to take shelter in it at night, light is almost a necessity. Consider keeping a flashlight (or two) in your car (and don't forget some extra batteries).
• Emergency Blankets: These are the really cool space age blankets that look like compacted foil rolls. They are meant to reflect heat back to your body, and are very small and easy to store. Can be especially handy if you are forced to take refuge in your car in inclement weather.
• Extra Fuel: Please be careful when considering this. Fuel must be stored in a proper, ventilated and sealed container. Storing fuel in your car can be hazardous (the fuel evaporates and leaves dangerous fumes), and in some places is illegal to carry fuel outside of your vehicles' fuel tank. If you plan to store this, please be aware of any local laws or policies, and take every precaution to ensure that the fuel is safe and secure.
• Money: You may be away from home and need food, fuel or other supplies, and with access to credit or debit cards. This can also be used to help pay traffic fines, etc. Just be sure that you don't store too much money, and that you consider placing it in different areas around your car. Anywhere you keep money should be hidden from view and preferrably secured.
• Cell Phone or two way radio: Many people carry cell phones with them, which can be handy when you need assistance or are in an emergency situation. You may also be able to store and use small two-way radios (usually under $50 and avaiable at sporting and discount stores). The radios may be a little more iffy (you never know who will be on the available channels), but can offer a second mode of contact.
  

When you have decided what you would like to carry in your car kit, consider how you will store it. Depending on the space available in your car, consider a hard sided plastic tote (I have mine in a rubber maid container under one of the bench seats in my van), or a bag with a flat and firm bottom (you may want a bag that closes with a zipper depending on your car).

No matter what you decide to store, and what you store it in, be sure that all members of your familiy know where it is, and how to use the items in it.