As a prepper, you should prepare for all kinds of emergency and disaster that might come your way no matter where you are. This means that you should prepare survival kits and bug-out bags not only in your house but also in your car. Keep in mind that no matter how reliable and sturdy your car is, you can’t expect it to offer you a means of transportation to safety during a disaster if it is not equipped with everything you need.
This is Exactly Why You Need a Car Survival Kit
With that in mind, you need to prep your car as doing so can help save not only your life but also that of others. Properly equipped, it can even become your shelter during emergencies and disasters. Along with a good pre-drive checklist, your car survival kit can help you get back on the road and lower your chance of getting stranded for hours. Just make sure it contains most of the survival essentials, including the following:
1. First Aid Kit
Driving on the road will always put you at risk of experiencing major accidents or minor collisions. Make sure to have a first aid kit in your car to help you during these emergencies. Among the things that should compose your first aid kit are pain relievers, antiseptics, bandages, trailheads, and gauze.
You can find several affordable commercial first aid kits in the market today. However, you can also make your own first aid kit if you want to ensure that it perfectly suits you. This allows you to customize it based on your specific needs.
2. Flashlight
Having a flashlight around will help you in case you get in trouble at night. It would be a big help if you have a flashlight featuring a strobe function. This function can significantly boost your visibility while you are on the roadside.
This can keep not only you safe but also others. You can use it in case you need to sort problems in engine compartments that are usually dim spots. With that, you can easily check mysterious leaks or low oil level.
3. Emergency Fund
As a prepper, you also need to set aside some emergency funds in your car. Having cash to buy some essentials during a disaster while you are in your car can save you. For instance, you may need money to buy a vital prescription in a pharmacy or to fuel your vehicle. You can hide cash in your car’s crevices. However, ensure that this hiding spot is not easily visible and accessible by auto-detailers, mechanics, and valets who may access your car.
4. Car Jack
Having a car jack around is also beneficial for preppers who want to make sure that they can immediately fix flat tires that happen on the road. You need to have this item in your car, especially if you often drive on rough roads as this might increase the risk of getting flat tires.
With the help of your car jack, you can easily change your tires and go back on the road as soon as possible. Make sure that the car jack is capable of supporting your vehicle’s weight, though.
5. Fire Starter
Apart from the fire starter, make sure to have fire sticks, too. This item is important in keeping yourself warm in case the heating system of your vehicle completely malfunctions. Having a fire starter around can also help you during those instances when your car gets destroyed, causing you to be alone.
You can choose to store some fire sticks in your vehicle that can still light up even after exposing them to snow and water. These fire starters are beneficial in keeping you warm while preventing the harsh effects of being exposed to extreme cold.
6. Emergency Food Bars
Of course, you also need to have food around if you want to be able to survive a disaster or emergency that takes place while you are in your car. You need food to survive in any car survival situation for a long time. In this case, store some emergency food bars in your vehicle. A wise tip is to go for those with high protein content.
It is because these food bars are not only filling but also contain healthy minerals and vitamins that can supply you with energy. It also takes longer for your body to digest protein, allowing you to feel full longer if you eat food bars rich in it.
7. Water
Apart from food, another of the most essential items that should form part of your car survival kit is water. Note that it would be impossible for you to survive for quite a long time if you do not have enough water. Having a reliable source of clean water, therefore, can boost your chance of surviving a car survival situation.
Apart from the water that you can readily drink, it also helps to have some sort of a water purification system. This is especially beneficial during prolonged survival situations as these often require you to purify all available water. Fortunately, you can now find several water purification systems that are compact enough that you will not experience problems storing them in your car. Alternatively, you can buy some water purification tablets.
8. Communication Devices
Some examples are cellphones and chargers. You need these devices to communicate in case you get stranded while on the road. This means of communication is even more important if you are in snow-drenched regions, hurricane-prone country, or areas and zones prone to flood and tornados. If possible, store a prepper ham radio in your car, too so you can be in touch with what is happening around you.
9. Tool Kit
Contrary to what others think, there is no need for you to become an experienced car mechanic to bring a toolkit with you. It is because there are instances when you need to do a few car maintenance chores on your own. It would be impossible to do that if you do not have your toolkit in your car.
Make sure that this contains some essentials, like work gloves, electrical tape, vice grips, spark plugs, extra fluids, and screwdrivers featuring changeable bits. However, prior to filling your toolkit and storing it in your car, spend time studying your car and the different ways to fix it. You do not have to be an expert. You just have to know the basics. That way, you can put all the things in your toolkit to good use in case of emergencies.
10. Sleeping Bag or Blanket
Having a sleeping bag or blanket around can benefit those who get stranded during the winters. This is important, especially if you drive in areas with cold temperatures. With the blanket around, you can make yourself feel comfortable while waiting for help.
Conclusion
Preparing your car for any form of disaster or emergency is the key to saving you from a lot of trouble. It can give you a more dependable solution to survive whatever scenario that you encounter. Start preparing your car by building your own vehicle survival kit. With the crucial items mentioned in this article, you will have something to use in case you get stranded or experience an emergency or disaster out of the city limits.