Eight items laying around your house that belong in your car

Emergency preparation doesn't always mean emptying your wallet. These ten key items should be laying around the house. Throw them in a bag, which is also laying around the house, and you'll be on your way to a safer car.

1. The bag
   Everyone has that bag around the house they got at a conference or from their parents house to help bring back extra Christmas presents. I have several backpacks, computer bags and even a yellow and white beach tote from my Grandma's house. Anything will do, if you're car doesn't have an emergency kit. But ideally, it will be compact and has shoulder straps to help you transport the kit or other items in case of emergency.
2. The cutting tool
   When I was about 8, I got my first Swiss Army Knife. I've since gotten a couple others. So, if I didn't have a dedicated fixed blade knife in the car (which is better suited to emergency situations), I would at least get that first knife out to the car in my new, zero-cost emergency bag. Plus, two is one, and one is none. So a fixed blade and the old swiss army knife or leatherneck is not overkill.
3. Band-Aids (& generic first aid)
   I have several big boxes of Band-Aids - if you don't have some in your car, get a stack in a ziplock baggie and get it in your kit. The same goes for other first aid supplies.
4. Snacks Everyone has snacks stashed in the pantry. If your car is stuck on the side of the road, a clif bar, chex mix, or peanut butter will be the best meal you've had all day.
5. Flashlight
   Most likely you have an extra flashlight in the toolkit or the junk drawer. It's time that's ready in your car to illuminate your way back home or to the nearest shelter if you're stuck in the night.
6. Car charger
   If you have a car charger, it's most likely in your car, but you may have an extra cord that should be ready to go, stashed in your glove compartment.
7. Warm blanket / sleeping bag I have more blankets than I know what to do with. This may be a personal problem and your closets aren't overflowing with enough bedding for an army. But if you have one or two old ones stashed in the linen closet, put it in a more useful place.
8. That extra jacket Everyone's got an old jacket in the closet. Continue the closet cleanout and roll up an old jacket, and maybe hat and gloves, for the car.

If you've got these items around the house or apartment, they will do you more good in the car as the air turns colder than gathering dust in the closets and drawers of your house. pack 'em and stash 'em in your car today to take the first step. Then continue building your supplies with the 6 types of gear to keep you safe.

 Missing something on this list?

Subscribe via e-mail now (feedburner) | Ask a question