Ok, friends. Girl Scout, coming through. When it comes to being prepared for things, I am usually pretty well equipped to handle anything that might happen. The downside is that I typically carry around a purse that can comfortably fit a small child. BUT, I am prepared. You can imagine how stocked up my Nissan Rogue is. I have that bad boy packed up to the point that I could very likely survive the zombie apocalypse. So, if you’re looking to amp up your emergency kit in your car, here are a few helpful suggestions of things you may want to consider!

Sanitation

• Baby wipes.

• Bar of soap. Store in a zip-top bag or soap box.

• Disinfecting wipes.

• Feminine protection.

• Hand sanitizer. Keep the bottles in a quart-size zip-top bag to avoid leakage.

• Plastic tablecloth.

• Small box of tissues.

• Toilet paper. Keep a 4-pack handy; remove the cardboard tubes and flatten.

• Toothbrush, toothpaste and dental floss. Travel sizes make these easier.

• Trash bags.

• Zip-top bags in different sizes.

Sustenance

• Almonds.

• Applesauce/fruit cups.

• Dried fruit.

• Dry cereal.

• Energy bars. Choose high-calorie options; they’re lightweight but provide the calories you’ll need in a small dose.

• Hard candies.

• Jam/jelly cups.

• Jerky.

• Peanut or other nut-butters in foil packets.

• Shelled sunflower seeds.

• Sports drink, premade or a mix.

• Trail mix. Make sure there’s no chocolate (which would melt in high temperatures).

• Tuna packs.

• Whole wheat crackers.
  
  

Survival

• Bandanas.

• Binoculars.

• Bug repellent.

• Collapsible nylon bag or small backpack.

• Duct tape. I’ve never met a problem duct tape couldn’t solve.

• Emergency radio. Solar- and battery-powered is preferable.

• Extra batteries. Make sure you have all the sizes of batteries your emergency supplies need

• Fire-starters, such as waterproof matches, flint or a Blast Match, which shoots sparks with three times the heat of a standard match.

• Fleece blankets. They are toasty warm and super easy to store.

• Floppy cotton hat. For both fashion and warmth!

• Glow Sticks. These are both practical and just a lot of fun to play with, even as an adult!

• Hand/foot warmers.

• Heavy-duty trash bags.

• High-quality first-aid kit.

• LED flashlights and/or headlamps.

• Maps. Your phone battery COULD die at some point and you don’t want to be lost out there!

• Medications. Tylenol, Ibuprofen, Claritin. Anything you may need that can be stored up. Just make sure you keep track of expiration dates.

• Face mask.

• Moleskin.

• Multi-tool/Knife.

• Paracord. 50 yards, or more. Paracord is a lightweight nylon, general purpose utility rope.

• Rain ponchos.

• Reflective emergency blanket/sleeping bag.

• Shoelaces.

• Small pair of scissors.

• Small shovel.

• Sunblock.

• Survival and first aid manuals.

• Tarp.

• Walking shoes for each member of the family. You’re welcome.

• Water filter. The Life-Straw is my personal fav, but you do you.

• Water. A case of water bottles or cleaned 2-liter soda bottles, refilled with tap water, and tightly capped. These bottles can be reused.
  
  

Vehicle Maintenance

• Car Jack

• A variety of wrenches, including a lug wrench

• Spare tire

• Wheel Wedges

• Jumper Cables

Security

• Battery-powered fan.

• Books on CD, paperbacks.

• Cash, coins. Power outages also take out ATM machines. Having cash for gas, a restaurant meal or hotel room might put you ahead of those who only have a debit or credit card.

• Deck of cards.

• Disposable camera. This could be very helpful in documenting a car accident, license plates, injuries or storm damage.

• Emergency phone numbers on a laminated card.

• Foam ear plugs.

• Inspirational or motivational book.

• Lip balm.

• Pepper spray. This is good bear spray if your travels take you through bear country.

• Sanity

• Small journal/pen or pencil.

• Whistle.
  
  

These lists may seem a bit intense, but SO ARE EMERGENCIES. Surprisingly all of these things actually fit in one of those opaque, under-the-bed bins, which fits perfectly in the back of my beautiful Nissan Rogue from Destination Nissan. I try to keep a running list of what’s in there and when it expires so that my supplies are up to date in the event of an emergency. You never know!