Your car could be your greatest ally in a crisis, but only if it’s stocked with the right supplies. A well-prepared emergency kit could mean the difference between reaching safety or being stuck in a dangerous situation. Even seasoned planners often miss some critical items. Here’s a closer look at the things people commonly overlook in their vehicle emergency kits.
Flashlight and Extra Batteries
A flashlight is essential, but don’t stop there. Toss in extra batteries or go for a hand-crank model. A dead flashlight is no help in the dark, and it’s wise to store it where you can easily access it during an emergency.
Cash
Power outages can render card readers useless. Keep a stash of small bills in your vehicle. Make sure to store it securely in a hidden location, so it’s there when you need it most.
Water Purification Tools
Bottled water is a must, but it’s finite. Water purification tablets or a portable filter can be lifesavers if you need to drink from a natural source. Be sure you know how to use them effectively before an emergency arises.
Fire Extinguisher
Don’t underestimate the importance of a small fire extinguisher. From engine trouble to campsite accidents, having one on hand could prevent disaster. Opt for one that is rated for both vehicle and general fires for versatility.
Pet Supplies
If your pet is traveling with you, don’t forget their needs. Pack food, water, a portable bowl, and a leash. Consider including a small blanket or toy to keep your pet calm in stressful situations.
Signal Flare or Emergency Beacon
If you’re stranded in a remote area, visibility is everything. A signal flare or an emergency beacon can guide rescuers to your location quickly. Check expiration dates on flares regularly, as they may become unreliable over time.
Non-Perishable Food
Food is one of the first things you’ll wish you had in an emergency. Stock some long-lasting options like energy bars, nuts, or dried fruit. Rotate these items every six months to ensure they remain fresh and effective.
Emergency Contact List
If your phone dies, how many numbers can you recall? Write down critical contacts and stash them in your kit. Include details like blood type or medical conditions if they’re relevant to your household.
Spare Prescription Medications
If you rely on medications, keeping extras in your car can be life-saving. Ensure they’re stored safely—some might need a temperature-controlled pouch to prevent damage. A checklist can help you stay on top of expiry dates and ensure your supply is current.
Duct Tape
Is there anything duct tape can’t do? It’s perfect for quick fixes, from patching leaks to securing loose parts. Keeping it in a resealable bag will ensure it doesn’t lose its stickiness over time.
Multi-Tool
Why pack a box of tools when one multi-tool can do it all? Compact and versatile, it’s an easy addition to your kit for countless emergency fixes. Look for one with a durable locking mechanism for added safety.
Updated Maps
GPS is great—until it isn’t. When you’re out of signal range or your device fails, an up-to-date paper map is a lifesaver. Familiarise yourself with key routes before setting off to maximize their usefulness.
Tire Repair Kit
A flat tire doesn’t have to derail your journey. Beyond your spare, keep a repair kit with sealant and an inflator. Regularly check that the inflator is operational and that sealant hasn’t expired.
Sanitation Supplies
Staying clean in an emergency is often overlooked. Pack hand sanitizer, moist wipes, and rubbish bags to maintain hygiene and prevent illness. Add disposable gloves to the mix for extra protection when handling waste.
Blankets and Warm Clothing
Whether you’re battling freezing weather or just a chilly night, warmth is essential. Pack extra blankets and some warm clothing—items you’ll be grateful for if temperatures plummet. Mylar blankets are a compact, effective addition to conserve body heat.
Katy Willis is a writer, lifelong homesteader, and master herbalist, master gardener, and canine nutritionist. Katy is a modern homesteader practicing everyday sustainability and green living.
She’s also a prepper who likes to make sure her family is ready for anything, because you just never know. Katy has a range of survival skills as well as homesteading, herbal medicine, and food preservation skills and firmly believes we would all benefit from a little more preparedness and self-reliance.
She is passionate about living naturally, growing food, keeping livestock, foraging, and making and using herbal remedies.
Katy is an experienced Master Herbalist and a member of the CMA (Complementary Medical Association). She grows organic food on roughly 15 acres and raises goats, chickens, and ducks. She also lovingly tends her orchard, where she grows many different fruit trees. And, because she likes to know exactly what she’s feeding her family, she’s a seasoned from-scratch cook and gluten-free baker.
Katy teaches foraging and environmental education classes including self-sufficient living, modern homesteading, seed saving, and organic vegetable gardening, helping others learn forgotten skills, reconnect with nature, and live greener and healthier. She also has two dogs who she raises naturally, providing a raw diet, positive reinforcement training, and natural healthcare.
On top of all of that, she knows her way around an assortment of firearms and is the driving force behind her family’s preparedness plans.
She’s been published on sites such as MSN, Angi, Home Advisor, Real Self-Sufficiency, Family Handyman, The Puzzlarium, Readers Digest, and more.
