Car Kit

In our modern society, we practically live in our cars.  Commutes to work and back, delivering children to school, running errands, job requirements, family vacations--we are a car people.

Which means that there is a pretty good possibility that at some point we will find ourselves in the middle of an emergency with only our car to keep us company.  And this time, getting a tow might not even be an available option. 

Now, some emergencies make it a good idea to stay with your car--like avoiding hypothermia by wandering off into the forest--but some mean we're going to have to abandon it and head back home on foot--like after earthquakes rip up or block roads.

Either way, we can make our lives a whole lot easier by having an emergency kit already snuggled into our car.

A Car Kit.

This Car Kit has two parts--the section designed to support your car and the section designed to support you.  If you have to abandon the car, you'll leave the first section and just take the part designed for you--so only this second section needs to be kept in a comfortably portable carrier, the other can sit in a tote in the trunk.

The car part

The car part of the kit breaks down into even further into two more parts.  First, what you 'build' into it, and second, what you stash in it.

Everything you do to keep your car in its best possible shape--and to give you any 'edge' of increased safety--is part of your built in kit.  This means:  all regular maintenance kept up to date, tires correct for your environment and in proper condition, at least half a tank of fuel present at all times, quality parts, fresh battery, etc.  A trustworthy vehicle is a superior tool for your success in emergencies.

Everything you need to repair it or get it out of trouble--is part of your stashed section.  Obviously, there are limits here, but if you carefully think it out, you can greatly improve your chances just by adding some 'basic needs'.  Snow chains, tire change needs, tow strap/chain, jumper cables, essential fluids, spare gas can, the correct type of fire extinguisher, snow/ice scraper, folding shovel, flares, duct tape, rope, etc.  Any decent car maintenance store can help you get a good idea of what you might need--but do your own research as well.   After all, you are responsible for yourself.  Don't forget the simple stuff--like the need to keep the interior of your car clean and free of junk food wrappers and nasty socks--you might need to sleep in it. 

Take the time to learn the basic car emergency skills--how to change a flat tire, add fluids, jump your battery, etc.  Never count on someone else being willing or able to help you--be able to be your own rescue.  It's that whole be independent thing.

The you part

This part is specifically for taking care of you--so keep it portable so you can take it with you if you have abandon your car.  Of course, you can easily use it while you are with your car, but keep your options open.

Think this part through very carefully--this is the section that is supposed to take care of you until you make it back home or get to some place safer than where you are currently at.  Ask yourself:  Where do I most often go in my car?   How far do I think I might have to walk to get back home?  Are there others who could possibly be with me--human or otherwise?  Do any of us have any special needs to plan for?  What do I normally wear while in the car?  What kind of terrain could I have to cover on foot just to get back home?  What is the absolute worst the weather could be?  What are the possible emergency events which could happen in my area? 

Plan this accordingly.

And remember that you need to fill some basic areas: 

*carrier
*food and water
*warmth and shelter
*clothing
*medical
*safety
*financial
*entertainment and comfort

Choose a sturdy carrier.  While I recommend a backpack for your Personal Emergency Kit, here I recommend a quality duffle.  Why?  Because it usually fits in your trunk better.  Just make sure the carry strap is a comfortable length for you--and doesn't dig into your shoulder.  Add padding if needed.  Seriously, it's the little things that can make all the difference.  Weird, but true.

Now select what food and water you're going to put in.  Keep in mind that your car can get very hot or very cold.  Ready to eat canned goods, dried edibles (also ones that don't require water or cooking to eat), and sealed food bars make decent choices.  Water bottles, water pouches, or water 'drink boxes' are easier to carry than a gallon jug.  Rotate your edibles out every six months or less--depending on the temperatures your car gets to.  Poisoning yourself is uncool.  Double bagging stuff is a good idea--or putting it into an airtight/leak proof container.

Pick at least two ways to start a fire--one that you can do with only one hand (injuries happen) or in winter gloves (dexterity issues).  Remember to store tinder, too.  Your car itself will provide shelter a lot of times--but sometimes it can't, either due to damage or because you have to abandon it.  So consider how you are going to provide weather protection and shelter for yourself away from it.  A quality poncho, blankets or sleeping bag and tarps are handy.

Because you could be going to work in a dress and heels or coming back from a workout in shorts, you need to include a change of emergency clothing.  Store this in a large plastic bag to keep it dry.  Base your choices on the area, climate, and possible events which could occur.  Your head, eyes, hands, and feet are essential focuses--but don't forget the rest of you.  Layers let you accommodate seasons and differing dangers.  Remember to check your stored clothing every year--or when you change sizes or locations, you might need to switch something out for a more suitable item.

A good first aid kit is a must.  Talk to the Red Cross or other trained emergency personnel to get one or build one suitable for the possible injuries that might be involved with a car.  Get trained!  And keep up to date with it!

Obviously, you need to be able to see--flashlights (non-battery ones are best for car storage) and be seen (safety vests, light sticks, etc.).  You also might need to protect yourself.  Look into the laws of your area and consider your skills--and remember that temperatures effect some tools of defense.  Take defensive training.  Store a sturdy walking stick or cane with your duffle--this has an additional help of getting you over rough terrain or damaged areas, along with the protection use.  You can do make-shift protection, too.  A folding shovel or tire iron are often used in car-related emergencies--and double as good weapons in need.  Be able to signal others for help--flares, whistle or air horn, a loaded phone card for pay phones should you 'oops' and let your cell phone die, etc., are all good items to stash.  Keep current maps of the places you live and travel about--you might need to take 'round about' ways to get home in emergencies (like to avoid civil riots or due to earthquake damage of roadways).

Tuck in a bit of cash--obviously, you should have your EDC stuff on your person--but some "Plan B" never hurts.  Again, small bills.

You could be stuck with your car for a while--or have to stop for rest breaks on the way back home.  Have some stuff for fun and comfort.  This means anything from snacks and Tic Tacs to something to read or play by yourself.  Avoid battery items--batteries have an annoying tendency to up and die when actually needed.  It's either Murphy's Law or some weird aspect of Karma.

*Now remember--if there is a good possibility that you will have someone (human or other) with you, you need to plan and prepare for them in your car kit, too.  That is just part of being a responsible adult and a compassionate human being.  Don't skip this--after all, you could be the 'extra' person in someone else's car in an emergency, too--and hoping desperately that they can help ease your way in trouble.



So now you have an idea how to start your Car Kit.

Now start it.

Do some serious research, get quality advice from trained professionals, and learn any skills or information you might need in dealing with your car in emergencies.  Practice until you can 'do it in your sleep'.  Keep yourself updated at all times--both in knowledge and gear.  Keep yourself in good physical condition--you need to actually be able to do what needs to be done.  Then take it calmly as it comes.  You may not be able to control an emergency--but you can control how you deal with it.  For the better or the worse.

Be good to go.