When going on a trip to the other side of the world, it is important to think about safety. No matter how long and where your trip is, a Car Emergency Kit including items and supplies for first aid,is essential.
We are never safe from a glitch, and if this happens to you when you are far from a pharmacy or a hospital, having your kit with you can certainly minimize to a lesser or greater extent the seriousness of your ‘glitch’.
Bug Out Bag/Emergency Kit for the car
Bug Out Bag and Get Home Bag are ideal for keeping them in the car as survival kits for emergencies.
Scenarios to have a BOB in the car:
- Car breakdowns
- traffic accidents
- Weather disasters (floods, storms)
- long road trips abroad
- as a backup to the escape backpack at home
As a pre-packed survival backpack, you can stow the Bug Out Bag permanently in the trunk of the car…..
What Should You Keep in the Car?
No one goes on a trip to work or a quick trip to the grocery store thinking they are in an accident, have a mechanical failure, or have a medical disaster.
However, the reality is that at least one of these incidents will happen to us at least once in our lifetime. That’s why it’s best to be prepared for when it does.
While you cannot possibly prepare for every situation that may arise while in your vehicle, having an emergency car kit can help protect yourself and your loved ones.
You can purchase one that is already assembled or do it yourself. A do-it-yourself vehicle emergency kit is best in most cases as you can control the contents better and also it’s usually more budget-friendly too. As for what to add, below is a list of the basics each set should have and some tips on how to personalize it based on your specific medical, regional, and monetary needs :
| ITEMS with COMMENTS |
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| Jumper cables, jack and spare tyre: These are the basics that most cars already have, and for good reason. A car with a flat tire or dead battery are two of the most common calls for help that roadside assistance companies receive. Make sure your car has these items and that the tank is full. Roadside Patches, Reflective Tape, or Triangles: In the event of an accident or as the result of a beach strike, you should have roadside patches, reflective tapes, or triangles that you can use to warn people when your vehicle is on the road. Also a signaling vest, orange or yellow. Multi-tool: A multi-tool is perfect for any emergency set. It should have pliers, screwdriver, and pocket knife. It can be used to fix minor mechanical problems, to cut a seat belt, or to break a window. Heavy Duty Trash Bags : Keep a few folded in your kit so they can be used as rain ponchos, to cover a broken window, or as an emergency cover for someone injured who needs to keep warm. Bottled water : We recommend that you store at least one litre of water. You can use the water to stay hydrated or for an overheated vehicle. Medication and Healthcare Equipment: If you have a health problem that requires specific medications for treatment (which are not temperature sensitive), ask your doctor for a small supply for your emergency kit. For conditions such as asthma or diabetes, consider keeping an extra glucose meter and inhaler in your kit as well. Disposable camera : A disposable camera is useful for documenting an accident if your iphone is broken or not working. Emergency numbers: Let’s face it, when’s the last time any of us called a number from memory? It’s especially hard to remind you that you’re in a crisis situation. So keep a laminated list of people and their numbers that you could call in case of an emergency such as including your auto insurance provider and a towing company. Lighter or Water Resistant Agreements: It’s best to stay in your car, but there are times when you may need to get out of the car and a fire comes in handy. You could also use a ‘controlled’ fire to catch the attention of your rescuers. Duct Tape : Let your imagination run wild when it comes to duct tape used for the unexpected. Here are some tips: use it to shut in or out cold air, spell an “SOS” signal on the side or top of your car, or to attach a garbage bag. to bring to a broken window. Energy foods : Protein bars, a jar of peanut butter, or a bag of nuts are all food items that will not only keep for a long time in most types of climates but also provide you with energy you’ll need to wait out of your rescue. Also consider dried fruits and hard candy. Old cell phone with or without service: A service plan is not required to make a 911 call from a cell phone and your location can therefore often be triangulated so an old cell phone with or without a subscription can make the difference between life or death. Don’t forget to set a reminder for yourself to recharge it every few days. First-aid kit: You can buy a pre-packaged first-aid kit or put together a set yourself. Either way, they should include disposable gloves, sterile dressings, medical adhesive tape, antiseptic wipes, aspirin, antihistamines for allergic reactions, instant cold compress, tweezers, antibiotic ointment, hydrocortisone cream, and burning gel. Bag or Container : Use an old backpack, large canvas bag, or Transparent Container (clearly labelled) box to keep all of your supplies together in your vehicle. This also prevents items like your water bottles rolling around and possibly being punctured leading to leakages. Several additional important items to include: Flashlight, extra batteries, extra fuses, rags, maps, two litres of oil, tyre inflator, seat belt cutter, protective gloves, blanket, cord, toilet paper. Other Items to consider for your emergency kit : Climate Extras: The type of climate you live in also determines what you should have in your car emergency kit. For colder climates, you should use multiple blankets – not just one – an ice scraper and a collapsible shovel. Warmer climates may require additional water for drinking or pouring into your vehicle’s radiator if it overheats. Personalize: Not all emergencies are the same and neither are people in an emergency, so it’s best to tailor your kit to whatever type of emergency you’re more susceptible to. Consider what kinds of emergencies could arise for you or your family, such as a specific medical situation, or one that could be worse because you live far from others. Pack your kit accordingly. Your Budget: No big budget is needed to put together a kit that will get you through most emergencies – In fact, you can find most of the items you need at dollar and discount stores or around your home. Extras: If you have a little “wiggle room” in your budget and your car boot, consider buying a portable electric starting aid, tyre inflator, or an all-in-one unit that does both things and also charges your cell phone. An extra pair of shoes, a solar battery charger, a tow rope or chain, and a fire extinguisher can also be very useful. Once you assemble your kit for unexpected situations, discuss each item with your family members so everyone knows how to use each item – properly. Practice ! Practice Practice ! This is also a good time to discuss what to do in a dangerous situation, such as a tyre blowing or getting involved in an accident, especially with new drivers ! While planning and organizing ahead may not cover all roadside emergencies, knowing what to do in most scenarios and having the tools to do it, is enough. |
Precautions to be taken in the event of a problem :
| – Keep your cool if you get caught in a snowstorm. – Avoid dressing lightly during cold seasons, as prolonged exposure to freezing winter temperatures can be fatal. – Do not get out of your car during the winter if the road is slippery. – Always turn off your engine; in case of difficulty, ask for help or help to get you out of trouble. – Open your windows slightly to let in a cool breeze. – Make sure your exhaust pipe is not clogged with snow and watch out for carbon monoxide which is a poisonous, odourless gas. – Do not fall asleep in the car especially if it is late. Stay awake and move your body to activate blood circulation. – Turn on your dome light and use flares to illuminate your vehicle so that it is visible to emergency services and other passers-by. |
Our recommended Car Emergency Kits
| NAME of KIT | FIRST SECURE EMERGENCY ROADSIDE KIT | Lifeline 4285AAA (AAA Approved) Roadside Car Emergency Kit |
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| INTRODUCTION | A great product ! Car Emergency Safety Kit Bag with Portable Air Compressor, First Aid Kit, Heavy Duty Roadside Auto Emergency Kits Jumper Cables Tow Strap Tire Pressure Gauge, Headlamp. Can be utilized by ALL family members. | Arguably one of the best roadside car emergency kit sets. Wide coverage road car kit a fantastic place to start. - It includes a good first aid kit with guide, good quality 8 gauge jumper cables, aluminum LED flashlight (with batteries), cutting blades, bungee cords, zip ties, a roll of duct tape and a basic tool kit, - A reflective triangle replacing the flare, work gloves and a rain poncho also included. |
| DESCRIPTION & CONTENTS. | Size: 14.1 x 10.2 x 4.1 inch Weight: 8.9 pounds Number of items: 11 Jumper cables/length: Yes/10-feet First aid kit: Yes Air pump: Yes Shovel: No Flashlight: Yes Fire extinguisher: No Roadside assistance: No | Compact 12-volt powered air compressor, which allows you to reload the tyre/s anywhere. you found yourself. - - There's even a fleece scarf, gloves, and a winter hat to keep you warm if you're kept waiting ! - No tyre sealant or puncture repair, so you'd better ,take note. - The second is an emergency Mylar blanket. Sometimes called space blankets, these thin, foldable sheets measure 84 by 52 inches. They are windproof, waterproof and able to reflect 90% of your body heat. They can also be transformed into emergency shelters. |
| PROS | - Contains tyre inflator and repair kit - Includes tow strap, jumper cables and multi-tool - 11 major items composition - Small holdall supplied. Bringing together an air pump, jumper cables and a tire repair gear, the First Secure Car Emergency Kit is a value item. It packs a lot into a small bag. | if the thought of repairing apartments and emergency shelters leaves you a little unstable, the AAA Excursion Roadside Emergency Car Kit offers another valuable item i.e.an Auto membership brochure. Club with discount, so the rescue will never be too far away. |
| CONS | - Lacks fire extinguisher and shovel - No roadside assistance contract exists. | No tyre sealant or puncture repair, so take note ! |
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| Amazon.com website link. (CLICK IMAGE) |   |
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| Amazon.ca website link. (CLICK IMAGE) |
Additional Useful Accessories To Consider :
1). Tool Accessory Kit
Hi-Spec Auto Mechanic's Tool Kit
A semi-professional, quality product.
If you just want a starter mechanic tool kit for occasional OR urgent repairs on your car (and around the house) this budget tool set is a perfect way to get the basics at a price that won’t break your budget.
- focuses on all the commonly used tools needed for auto repair, including a large selection of sockets, ratchet handle, screwdrivers, pliers, voltage tester, wrench, hex keys.
- It’s perfect to keep in your car for emergencies while on the road
- keeps everything in a sturdy case for you to keep at your side as you work.
- Choose from SAE or metric options.
Being only 30cm wide and weighing 2.6kg, this compact Hi-Spec tool kit is something of a happy medium between roadside kits and the pricier, more comprehensive kits.
For the money, it’s a good one: the tools feel well made and have a lifetime guarantee. There’s a really good spread of screwdriver bits, not to mention a socket extension – although that's too short to pass the test of the battery-securing bolts of our test car.
Still, if you’re after a home mechanic’s kit that’s small enough to store easily and is likely to last many years despite a low price, this is a great option.
OUR RATING : B++
If you just want a starter mechanic tool kit for occasional OR urgent repairs on your car (and around the house) this budget tool set is a perfect way to get the basics at a price that won’t break your budget.
- focuses on all the commonly used tools needed for auto repair, including a large selection of sockets, ratchet handle, screwdrivers, pliers, voltage tester, wrench, hex keys.
- It’s perfect to keep in your car for emergencies while on the road
- keeps everything in a sturdy case for you to keep at your side as you work.
- Choose from SAE or metric options.
Being only 30cm wide and weighing 2.6kg, this compact Hi-Spec tool kit is something of a happy medium between roadside kits and the pricier, more comprehensive kits.
For the money, it’s a good one: the tools feel well made and have a lifetime guarantee. There’s a really good spread of screwdriver bits, not to mention a socket extension – although that's too short to pass the test of the battery-securing bolts of our test car.
Still, if you’re after a home mechanic’s kit that’s small enough to store easily and is likely to last many years despite a low price, this is a great option.
OUR RATING : B++
2). Rhino USA Folding Survival Shovel w/Pick
Rhino USA Folding Survival Shovel w/Pick
NOT YOUR AVERAGE FOLDING SHOVEL !
Whether you're looking to dig a hole or shovel dirt out from under your tyre, this entrenching shovel has you covered. It folds up and comes with a carrying case that can be stored in your garage or the trunk of your car. There's even an attached pick axe that you can access by tightening the head at a 90-degree angle.
- the Rhino Rhino USA Folding Survival Entrenching Shovel placed 1st when we looked at the top 10 products in the category.
- MILITARY STYLE E-TOOL .
- 2 lbs of Powder Coated Carbon Steel
- Tough Pickax & Sharp Rugged Saw teeth
- COMPACT & PORTABLE
- Full 23" Long Extended but only 9" x 6" when Folded into FREE Carry Case.
Whether you're looking to dig a hole or shovel dirt out from under your tyre, this entrenching shovel has you covered. It folds up and comes with a carrying case that can be stored in your garage or the trunk of your car. There's even an attached pick axe that you can access by tightening the head at a 90-degree angle.
- the Rhino Rhino USA Folding Survival Entrenching Shovel placed 1st when we looked at the top 10 products in the category.
- MILITARY STYLE E-TOOL .
- 2 lbs of Powder Coated Carbon Steel
- Tough Pickax & Sharp Rugged Saw teeth
- COMPACT & PORTABLE
- Full 23" Long Extended but only 9" x 6" when Folded into FREE Carry Case.
3A) Petzl Actik Core Rechargeable Headlamp
Petzl Actik Core Rechargeable Headlamp
A rechargeable, multi-beam headlamp, the Petzl Actik Core offers 450 lumens of power to light the way during dynamic outdoor activities and critical situations.
- Rechargeable, compact. multi-beam headlight with red lighting, designed for outdoor activities. 450 lumens
- The rechargeable ACTIK CORE headlight offers 450 lumens of power, which in combination with the mixed beam, is ideal for outdoor activities.
- A HYBRID headlight that comes with CORE, a battery that is rechargeable through a standard USB port. It is compatible with standard batteries without the need for an adapter.
- Red lighting preserves night vision and prevents blinding of other members of the group.
- The reflective headband helps you to be seen when light shines on it, and is equipped with an emergency whistle for rescue situations.
- CE-certified; IPX4 rating means this can withstand splashing water from any angle
- A bright light with the highest beam quality that stays charged for days.
- Rechargeable, compact. multi-beam headlight with red lighting, designed for outdoor activities. 450 lumens
- The rechargeable ACTIK CORE headlight offers 450 lumens of power, which in combination with the mixed beam, is ideal for outdoor activities.
- A HYBRID headlight that comes with CORE, a battery that is rechargeable through a standard USB port. It is compatible with standard batteries without the need for an adapter.
- Red lighting preserves night vision and prevents blinding of other members of the group.
- The reflective headband helps you to be seen when light shines on it, and is equipped with an emergency whistle for rescue situations.
- CE-certified; IPX4 rating means this can withstand splashing water from any angle
- A bright light with the highest beam quality that stays charged for days.
3B) Emergency Car Flashlight + Escape Tool
| NAME of ITEM | LUXON 7-in-1 Car Safety Tool | SINSEN Car Safety Hammer Flashlight, Tactical Emergency Rescue Tool ..... |
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| INTRODUCTION. | The 7-in-1 tool includes a car safety hammer, seat belt cutter, SOS red indicator light, LED flashlight, hand-cranked charging system, USB interface charging with a cable, and magnet ★Essential safety tool for emergency use ★High-grade material for high performance and durable use ★Ergonomic design for better using while compact size for easy storage and taken with ★Comes with a LUXON 1-year warranty | A Car Safety Hammer Flashlight, Tactical Emergency Rescue Tool, LED High Lumens Rechargeable Solar Powered Escape Kit, Window Glass Breaker and Seatbelt Cutter, Self Defence Multi-Function Torch. |
| DESCRIPTION / SPECIFICATIONS | A neat multi-tool that incorporates a flashlight into its slim frame which can be very handy in dark situations. - Taking advantage of the unit having a bit of onboard power, the tool also has a USB port on its anterior side that can provide emergency power to a smartphone or other device. - the tool can be charged using a hand crank, making this thing useful even outside of the car during power outages, for example. - There’s also a red indicating light on the handle that flashes in an SOS morse code pattern when activated. | - Item Weight = 8.8 ounces (249.48 grams) ; - Dimensions = 9 x 1 x 4 inches (22.9 x 2.5 x 10.2 cm) ; - Power Source = Solar Powered ; - Light Source Type = LED lights ; - Material = Plastic, Steel - Light Path Distance = 300 Meters - Battery Cell Composition = Lithium Ion |
| PROS / CONS | Despite featuring a flashlight and USB charging point it means that this is another device that needs to be charged up to maintain its functionality ! | - Car Flashlight Solar Powered, Car Safety Hammer, Multifunctional, Seatbelt Cutter, Window Glass Breaker ; - " Actually does what it says it does & is very bright" - " The flashlight is quite sophisticated, having several modes; the really cool aspect is that it can be set to flash blue and red emergency-type lights ". - " Great product! Horrible instructions!!I I received this product only days ago. The product appears very sturdy, has multiple uses and is a great value for the money; however, the instruction pamphlet is horrible. The print is so small, a magnifying glass is required, there is little information provided and please....highlight the instructions on how to silence the alarm! ". |
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| Amazon.com website link. (CLICK IMAGE) |   |
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| Amazon.co.uk website link. (CLICK IMAGE) |
4). Buckeye 13315 ABC Multipurpose Dry Chemical Hand Held Fire Extinguisher with Aluminum Valve and Vehicle Bracket, 2.5 lbs Agent Capacity
Buckeye 13315 ABC Multipurpose Dry Chemical Hand Held Fire Extinguisher
The ONLY regret we had writing about this product was the fact that it was only possible to promote it to our members in North America. It satisfied ALL the requirements of an excellent car fire extinguisher :
- Aluminium valve & pin substantially reduce the possibility of failure commonly associated with plastic mechanisms
- light (2.5 lbs) but built sturdily with good quality metal parts
- has a clear color-coded pressure gauge that shows when it’s out of charge
- comes with a neat little vehicle mount so it won’t roll around in the trunk
- good size that seems to be adequate for most vehicles. For storage purposes this one requires about 15 inches by 5 inches of space somewhere accessible in the car. For example, it could be mounted behind a seat or in the trunk or under the seat. The Amazon page for this product provides some examples of how people have mounted this model in their cars.
- The discharge range is 9 – 15 feet and the discharge time is about 9 seconds. We liked that we would be able to stand at a fair distance as we fight the vehicle fire.
- It’s also independently certified, which is always reassuring
- Certified to deal with both liquid & electrical fires.
- Aluminium valve & pin substantially reduce the possibility of failure commonly associated with plastic mechanisms
- light (2.5 lbs) but built sturdily with good quality metal parts
- has a clear color-coded pressure gauge that shows when it’s out of charge
- comes with a neat little vehicle mount so it won’t roll around in the trunk
- good size that seems to be adequate for most vehicles. For storage purposes this one requires about 15 inches by 5 inches of space somewhere accessible in the car. For example, it could be mounted behind a seat or in the trunk or under the seat. The Amazon page for this product provides some examples of how people have mounted this model in their cars.
- The discharge range is 9 – 15 feet and the discharge time is about 9 seconds. We liked that we would be able to stand at a fair distance as we fight the vehicle fire.
- It’s also independently certified, which is always reassuring
- Certified to deal with both liquid & electrical fires.
5A) TravelJohn 66892 18-Pack Disposable Urinals Deluxe
TravelJohn 66892 18-Pack Disposable Urinals Deluxe
- Ideal for road trips
- Unisex, for all genders
- Odorless, non-toxic, gels instantly & leak proof
- No clean up, simply throw away!
- Unisex, for all genders
- Odorless, non-toxic, gels instantly & leak proof
- No clean up, simply throw away!
5B) Pitch and Trek Female Urinal – Travel Urination Device & Pee Funnel for Women
Pitch and Trek Female Urinal - Travel Urination Device & Pee Funnel for Women
This leak-free, reusable urinator device makes doing your business a breeze.
- Easy To Use: Compatible with pants and outdoor clothing and gear.
- The long urinary neck and tip is shaped for easy aiming - no wet clothes or shoes!
* Enjoy The Same Convenience As Men: Stand, aim and fire in seconds without having to bear your butt, strip off layers of clothing
- Super Sanitary: This water-repellent device is easy to prevent odors and can be shaken dry simply with water and soap
- Built To Go The Distance: Durable, light, & portable to make the perfect camping, hiking and backpacking accessory.
- Easy to store in your car's glove compartment
- Easy To Use: Compatible with pants and outdoor clothing and gear.
- The long urinary neck and tip is shaped for easy aiming - no wet clothes or shoes!
* Enjoy The Same Convenience As Men: Stand, aim and fire in seconds without having to bear your butt, strip off layers of clothing
- Super Sanitary: This water-repellent device is easy to prevent odors and can be shaken dry simply with water and soap
- Built To Go The Distance: Durable, light, & portable to make the perfect camping, hiking and backpacking accessory.
- Easy to store in your car's glove compartment
6) Road Flares (“Safety Discs”)
Why You Should Be Keeping Several “Safety Discs” In Your Vehicle…
Winter is here! Visibility is about to get worse, whether it’s because of snow, fewer hours of daylight, or a combination of both. To make matters worse, road conditions in fall and winter require your attention more than all other seasons!
However, worst of all, we are unfortunately sharing the road this season with the worst drivers in history : every year drivers get worse due to their inability to PAY ATTENTION !
Drivers are not only talking and texting behind the wheel, but they are even watching television and playing games on their devices while driving – madness !
If you are pulled to the side of the road, you NEED TO BE VISIBLE and CAPTURE THE ATTENTION of oncoming drivers.
This is why we Why you NEED these LED Safety Discs :
- 15 Ultra Bright LEDs – seen from over 5,000 feet (9 flashing modes).
- Ultra durable: can withstand being run over by a truck
- Waterproof, magnetic base, 100k hour lamp life
- 13 hour run time.
- We believe every vehicle should carry at least 3 to surround the vehicle, but feel free to get as few or many as you feel necessary.
Don’t forget, Tac1 stands behind their products by offering a no questions asked 100% LIFETIME WARRANTY.
YOU TUBE VIDEO (approx. 2 mins. 16 secs.):
1TAC 3 Pack LED Road Flare Emergency Lights Roadside Safety Beacon Disc
Flashing Warning Flare Kit With Zip Pouch Magnetic Base Utility Hook For Car, Truck & Boats. Waterproof and Crush Proof.
They are made from the same strength-tested materials used by the Army, making them insanely durable.
- unlike a tactical flashlight alone, these Roadside Discs actually REFLECT light back, in addition to emitting powerful beams on their own.
- can be seen from 5,000 feet away, so any oncoming traffic will have plenty of time to react to your presence.
- If you are concerned about your safety on the road, or the safety of a loved one, don’t leave it to chance these LED flare discs will give you peace of mind, in case anything should happen.
They are made from the same strength-tested materials used by the Army, making them insanely durable.
- unlike a tactical flashlight alone, these Roadside Discs actually REFLECT light back, in addition to emitting powerful beams on their own.
- can be seen from 5,000 feet away, so any oncoming traffic will have plenty of time to react to your presence.
- If you are concerned about your safety on the road, or the safety of a loved one, don’t leave it to chance these LED flare discs will give you peace of mind, in case anything should happen.
Finally, to close this sub-section about Car Emergency Kits Et Al, here are some useful ‘Car Hacks’ that we hope you will learn BUT never have to use, at least those illustrated below !
In the next sub-section we’ll discuss Every Day Carrier (EDC) bags which are now becoming increasingly more popular. However, their significance needs to be understood and why they are not the same as Survival Backpacks or BOBs !
CLICK HERE to go to part 1 of this EDC sub-section.
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