Car emergency Advice needed
Posted by mesenanch@reddit | preppers | View on Reddit | 26 comments
Hello all, so i have packed the following items in my car. I drive a Honda accord and live in urban NE.
Trunk:
Gerber Etool (shovel for snow etc)
Rain coat
Aluminum emergency survival blanket
Ferro rod with striker
Lifestraw
Inflatable pillow
2 flashlights: 1 let's maglite &1 everready
In front:
Altoids with Bic lighter & swiss army knife
Emergency glass breaker/seatbelt cutter tied to headrest with small paracord.
Things i know i need to replace:
1) emergency gas container i had a cheap 2 gallon one that leaked into my trunk ... was a headache to get detailed. Recommendations welcome
2) battery powered jump kit *had or and it no longer works
3) i have the crappy tire changing tools that come stock but not sure if it's worth investing in something more ergonomic/less back breaking.
So, in your view is this a good kit or are there any absolutely vital pieces that i a missing or that you feel are pretty important? I am open to suggestions but would like to avoid spending an unreasonsble amount. Also, i have these stuffed in a shopping bag, perhaps i ought to get an organizer? Thank you in advance, I'm still relatively new to this.
mesenanch@reddit (OP)
Sorry; just got around to reading everyone's comments. Thanks for all the advice! So many folks recommending a wool blanket i guys I'll have to find a good one. Tried at the SA but couldn't find anyw.
Many-Health-1673@reddit
These German military wool blankets are nice. I have two of them.
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1027065360
Potential4752@reddit
Emergency blankets are wildly overestimated. Get a real blanket instead. I would also add water in a container that can freeze without breaking.
Those two things are by far the most critical in my opinion. I would consider a car kit to be quite good if it had those two and nothing else.
No_Albatross7213@reddit
I like the wool blankets for my car. Water resistant and if you do get it wet, it’ll still keep you warm.
OP, you might want to look into getting a seatbelt cutter and window breaker tool, and keep it upfront within your reach whike in the driver’s seat.
Many-Health-1673@reddit
And wool blankets are fire resistant.
mesenanch@reddit (OP)
I have one thanks for reminder though
Proof_Junket_5516@reddit
You’re already covering the important basics better than a lot of ‘tactical’ car kits people post here. Water, warmth, light, escape tools, and recovery gear are the things that actually matter when you’re stranded. A few cheap additions I’d consider: work gloves,compact first aid kit,power bank + cable,portable tire inflator,protein bars and extra socks Also yes — an organizer is 100% worth it. In a real emergency you don’t want your trunk looking like a side quest inventory screen.
mesenanch@reddit (OP)
Oh o forgot to mention i have a small medkit medkit. Any recs for inflator, or organizer? Also, wrong the protein bars melt... it gets stupid hot here in the summer
dachjaw@reddit
I haven’t found any ready to eat food item that survives my 0-120 degrees F climate except lifeboat rations.
MrMaker1123@reddit
How about a GMRS radio and licence. You can call for help if needed
dachjaw@reddit
I would think a cell phone would be more practical. If cell towers are down, who would you call on a GMRS? They would have to be nearby, and would be a total stranger who is willing to help you.
C-Alucard231@reddit
i would consider having an afak handy would be essential.
Dmau27@reddit
I'd get an emergency Jumpstart power bank. It doubles as a phone charger if you need it.
silasmoeckel@reddit
Life boat rations and water are the go to for cars they deal with freezing and hot.
mesenanch@reddit (OP)
Thanks i was just asking this.
Motorcyclegrrl@reddit
Can you fit an actual blanket? Especially in winter.
Hefty-Squirrel-6800@reddit
A small harbor freight floor jack. Beats the jacks that come with the car.
offfhandle@reddit
Small wax Candles, esbit fuel stove, 8x10 tarp and a wool blanket
chicagotodetroit@reddit
r/VEDC
buttchugreferee@reddit
but you gotta be careful not to become /r/robmyvehicle
buttchugreferee@reddit
Collapsible hiking poles!
I once got stuck on icy roads on my way home from work, but luckily I was less than an hour walk from my house.
I had a pair of hiking poles in my trunk from a recent camping trip, and they were a lifesaver in helping me avoid slipping on the ice while walking back.
Jolopy4099@reddit
I keep most of the same things but prefer jumper cables over battery jumper. I like knowing it will work when I need it and not have to keep it charged.
Also keep a small socket set able to cover most standard sockets on my vehicle as well as for changing a tire.
Also keep pliers, needle nose and old pipe wrench. Pretty much a small tool kit that fits inside a gallon ziplock.
I have a rain poncho that is also an emergency blanket I can wear or tie to a tree for cover. But I also keep an old wool army blanket in my car during rge winter. Takes up no room on the back seat under my dogs seat cover hammock that is also water proof and can be used as cover to conserve heat.
My suv came wirh a tire iron and jack but added plugs to it if I get a flat.
Have munch more but can only remember that right now.
Jolopy4099@reddit
Most fit inside a small water proof box i got from costco.
PrisonerV@reddit
Tire plugs, inflator, drill with lug socket and socket to power tire jack. Jump power brick.
Fire extinguisher.
silverbk65105@reddit
Boots appropriate for weather and terrain, or walking shoes, sneakers if you have to abandon the car. Wool blanket if you can fit it.
silverbk65105@reddit
Adding to the above, cash money including change for vending machines. Prepaid gasoline or convenience store in your area cards.