Essential Survival Gear for Your Car in Emergency Situations

When you're out on the road, whether it's for a quick trip to the grocery store or a long drive across the country, it's always wise to be prepared for unexpected situations. This article will explore what items you should consider keeping in your car to ensure your safety and comfort in case of a wreck or if stranded and help fails to arrive.

An Updated List of Survival Essentials

Many people carry less-than-crucial items in their cars, such as a cooler full of beer and a pack of cigarettes, which may not be the best use of space in a survival kit. Instead, consider packing items that can genuinely help you in critical moments, especially if you're in an isolated location with limited resources.

A Comprehensive Survival Kit for Your Car

A small survival kit is your best bet in case of emergencies. It should include:

Three days worth of non-perishable food and three days worth of water A flashlight and a couple of road flares for signaling Couple gallons of water, space blankets, signal orange and six VS-17 signal panels for additional visibility Sharp knives, fixed blade to augment folders, a new T-10 canopy, and 100-foot hanks of "SurvivorCord" from Titan Survival A 5-ounce coffee can with a 5-foot-square sheet of clear plastic solar still, useful for water purification 50 feet each of 1/4" and 3/8" rope, a medium ax, shovel, storm matches, a vial of cotton balls kneaded into petroleum jelly, and waterproof kindling A signal mirror and a SureFire 6P with LED head click switch and a box of batteries (no installed yet) Personal water filters like LifeStraw for clean drinking water when needed

It's also wise to keep a crossbed toolbox, as mentioned in the article, to make use of any handy tools you might need.

A Get-Home Bag for Roadside Emergencies

A get-home bag is specifically designed to help you reach your destination if you become stranded. It usually includes:

A day's worth of food and water A first aid kit A weather-specific kit if you're in an area prone to extreme conditions A tool kit for car repairs and maintenance

This bag can be a lifesaver in remote areas where help might be far away, ensuring you can get to a safe place more quickly.

A Car Survival Kit from Personal Experience

For those living in remote areas, specific kits can be particularly important. For instance, in Arizona, you should consider packing:

Two gallons of water and a thin blanket A large umbrella for sun protection and potential shelter A first aid kit, flares, fire starter, and waterproof matches A small box of non-perishable food, a signal mirror, and some light reading material

Arizona's vast remote areas make it crucial to have these items readily available to deal with unexpected situations.

Conclusion

Your car is not just a means of transportation; it's also a potential lifesaver in emergencies. By packing the right items and being prepared, you can ensure your safety and comfort, whether you're in the middle of the urban jungle or the great outdoors. Remember, a little preparation can go a long way in safeguarding your well-being on the road.