Even if you get stranded in your car only a few hundred yards from civilization, you might still need keen survival skills and a well-stocked bug-out bag.
People spend a great deal of time in their vehicles, and while this is far more dangerous than spending time at home, they still neglect to keep any type of emergency kit or supplies in the trunk. Youcouldstore your bug-out bag in the car, but you can't assume your vehicle will provide your escape route. So it's best to keep a small bug-out bag in the car with 72 hours worth of supplies. Think of it as a junior version of the bug-out bag you keep at home.
If you examine what average American drivers keep in their cars for emergencies, you'll see a proof-of-insurance document, a flashlight that may or may not work, and an expired coupon for an oil change. Seriously, the majority of Americans don't even carry the two most important items a driver needs - a camera to document collision damage and a set of jumper cables. So how can you expect them to survive if they drive off the road and get stranded?
For starters, they could put together a little emergency kit that fits under the passenger seat or in the trunk. No two automobile bug-out bags will be exactly alike, but here are 12 must-haves that everyone's kit should contain:
1. A Backpack
If you have to walk for help or supplies, a sturdy backpack will help. You can also use it to store your emergency supplies.
2. Gloves
Every bug-out bag needs at least one pair of durable gloves. If you live in a colder climate, you'll need a lined pair of work gloves, as well as latex or nitrile chemical-resistant gloves.
3. Flashlight
Do not rely on your smartphone flashlight app in times of emergency. It's not energy efficient. Instead, get a flashlight with LED lights, and you'll never have to worry about the bulbs. If you can find a reliable hand-cranked flashlight, you'll never have to worry about batteries - or battery leakage - ever again.
4. Signal Mirror
You really should invest in a basic signaling mirror and learn how to use it, but any unbreakable hand mirror will do in the meantime.
5. Water
Keep a cooler filled with water bottles in the trunk. Here's a trick used by travelers on the Trans-Sahara: attach any container to your roof-rack wrapped in a wet towel, drive at 35 mph plus for at least 5 minutes and - voila! Even in the hottest desert sun, you’ll have cold water.
6. Straw Water Purifier
It's the simplest and most convenient way to make any water palatable, and you can use it to sip directly from a pond or lake. They're so small that you’ll have room for two.
7. Container For Water or Fuel
A good-quality plastic container can be used to transport water, fuel, or any other liquid. You can find a 5-gallon container that takes up surprisingly little space in your trunk or RV.
8. Energy Bars
Energy bars are the best food to stow in your car, so keep a handful of these tasty and nutritious treats in the glove box. You should keep several more in the trunk, as well.
9. Fire Starter
You can choose a magnesium flint block, safety matches, or a good old Bic lighter, but keep your fire starting materials in a zip-locked plastic bag.
10. Knife
It shouldn’t be too fancy, but a fixed-blade knife with a blade at least 3½ inches long should work. Because you never know what's lurking out there, a serrated blade is best.
11. Toilet Paper
Don't forget to include a roll of your favorite toilet paper. You shouldn't just throw in some emergency tissues for all-purpose use. Spring for some real TP. It’s inexpensive and has no expiration date.
12. First Aid Kit
They sell pretty good first aid kits with large bandages and dressings specifically designed for cars, or you can put together your own. It should contain supplies for minor cuts and scrapes, as well as a tourniquet and QuikClot sponge for more serious injuries.
