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Disasters usually occur with little or no warning. Though the focus of this site is on “bugging in,” it’s still wise to have a vehicle survival kit or a bug out bag in case you’re stranded on the way home or forced to evacuate the area.
Survival Kits Online makes a good Deluxe 2 Person Kit
for $99 and a 4 Person Survival Kit
for $199. However, they don’t include everything you need to keep your car running.
I recommend purchasing a sturdy backpack
, gathering the items in the list below and keeping them in your trunk. Make adjustments based on your personal needs. Much of the equipment will depend on what type of vehicle you own. You should also learn to change a tire, change the oil, jump start a car, and replace fluids, belts and hoses.
Fire, Heat and Light
1. Emergency Candles
so you can see in the dark.
2. Fire Sticks – These light even after being submerged in water.
3. Hand Crank Flashlight – Never worry about the battery running out.
4. Light Sticks – These are really cheap in the months after Halloween.
5. Spark-Lite Fire Starter
– The official fire starter of the U.S. Military.
Shelter/Clothing
6. Blankets – Heatsheets
are affordable and very convenient.
7. Change of clothes in case you get wet or dirty.
8. Coats – When it’s only a little cold outside, you can use these instead of the vehicle’s heater and save fuel.
9. Gloves for working on car, building shelter, cold weather, etc.
10. Ponchos in case it rains.
11. Sleeping Bags – In case you can’t reach your destination before nightfall.
12. Socks – Much more important than you might think.
13. Spare Shoes in case yours get wet or damaged.
14. Tube Tent – Only eight bucks.
15. Umbrellas in case it’s raining.
Miscellaneous
16. Batteries – For flashlights or cell phones or any other devices you might have.
17. Compass – Military Style Lensatic Marching Compass With Pouch
is the most affordable option.
18. Emergency Food Bars in case you get hungry. The more protein, the better.
19. Emergency Whistle – The 5 in 1 Survival Whistle
is only $5.
20. First Aid Kit – There are a lot of first aid kits to choose from on amazon.com.
21. Folding Shovel in case you have to dig something such as a cathole.
22. Food – Anything with a very long shelf life (canned food, MRE’s, etc.). You’ll still need to rotate it.
23. Maps – Check your local department store. Get an atlas of your country and a detailed map of the local area.
24. Metal Cup – Emergency Zone makes a great Stainless Steel Sierra Cup
that is perfect for boiling water.
25. Mini Rescue Mirror so you can signal for help.
26. Multi-Tool – Again, lots to choose from.
27. Tissues/Napkins – For cleaning spills or use as fire tinder.
28. Toilet Paper – Pretty self explanatory.
29. Water – A gallon a day per person for 3 days.
30. Water Purification Tablets
31. Wire Saw – The Commando Wire Saw
cuts through wood and plastic.
Vehicle Equipment
(How much of this you decide to get might depend on the condition of your vehicle.)
32. Antifreeze/Coolant
33. Brake Fluid
34. Extra Belts
35. Fix-A-Flat
36. Flares
37. Fuses
38. Hoses
39. Ice Scraper
40. Jack
41. Jumper Cables
42. Lug Wrench
43. Magic Tank (in case you run out of gas)
44. Oil
45. Ratchet Set
46. Replacement Bulbs
47. Screwdrivers
48. Spare Tire
49. Transmission Fluid
50. Windshield Washer Fluid
One final note of warning: Don’t let your gas tank get below half full. If the disaster is major enough or there are mass evacuations, gas stations will probably be closed, so you want to always have enough gas to last you for a while. Also, make sure to change your oil every 3 months or 3000 miles (although as one commentorr pointed out, you should check your owner’s manual to see if your car is different). Some newer cars can go a lot longer than this before you have to change the oil.
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Two of the multi-tool/plier tools. Strap down kit to use as super rope. tarps=bathroom/tent. Rug needles and dental floss. Rubber bands, index cards, pencils, Sharpies. Stainless steel tie wire. Walking cane = emergency bow
Portable jump starter / battery booster.. Jumper cables are great , but not much good if there’s no one else around to help.. Try to get one of these with an air compressor, light, and USB ports.. Then you’ll be able to air up a tire, charge a cell phone, and jumpstart your car.. I would also add a tire patch kit, hand winch/ come along, some straps and chain to get yourself unstuck if there’s no one around , snow chains( these work great in mud too!!) and some other traction aids. Take a look at a hardcore off-roaders rig, and you’ll see they are prepared for just about anything..
If you drive a smartcar, you can forget it! Nine gallons of water, an emergency food supply, blankets, clothing, a tent…this list is quite a trunkful…first on the list ought to be a large pickup truck with strong cover!
Of course, a LARGE car is needed for this trunkful of stuff. 9 gallons of water…mercy on us. Not for SmartCar drivers, fer sure! (wierd spelling used for effect)
Not a single knife? In my vehicle I always carry at least 3 types of knives: a small pocket knife (center console), a medium K-bar (driver’s side door) and a large machete (under the driver’s seat).Never leave home without a reliable cutting tool!
Dry gas.. used up north.. it mixes with any water in your tank and will keep your gas lines from freezing
Definitely need to have a LifeStraw just in case you’re not able to carry as much water as you should.
A seat belt cuter an class braker
Ah, yes! 111% American patriot! You know how the rest of the world can tell? By your utterly ridiculous, imbecilic grammar and spelling. Untrained chimps in labs have been able to actually spell “glass”, “cutter”, and “breaker”. Seriously, when TSHTF, uneducated, moronic trailer-dwellers like you will be the first to go, mainly because your kind of stupid shouldn’t breed.
Mike-
Knife and gun are also nice to be able to access.
Ladies MUST have a standing urination device, like a http://www.go-girl.com/ or http://whizzy4you.com/ … or even a “travel john” would be helpful for guys, like http://www.amazon.com/TravelJohn-Jr-Disposable-Urinal-Bags-pack/dp/B000NVBYEM
NEVER carry extra gasoline! It’s an extreme explosion hazard, plus it deteriorates the longer you keep it.
#2 – Don’t automatically change your oil every 3,000 miles. Check your owner’s manual; you might be surprised at what the manufacturer recommends.
Cash. If the power goes out you won’t be able to use your credit/debit card to purchase gas or other necessities.
If the power goes out the gas pumps won’t work.
A partial roll of toilet paper squished flat, removing as much air as possible, in a sealing sandwich bag.