Roadside Emergency Kits

To be better prepared for roadside emergencies, every prepper should keep some basic supplies in their vehicle. The recommended supplies are divided into two kits: the “Just the Basics” kit (things that everyone should keep in their car), and the “Kitchen Sink” kit (less critical items that might be useful when dangers are more likely, such as when traveling on a long trip).

“Just the Basics” Roadside Emergency Kit

Cell phone with car charger	Call for help
Small gas can	Retrieve gas
Folding shovel	Dig out tires; make a fire pit
Jumper cables or Jumpstart battery booster	Jump a dead battery
Flashlight with spare batteries and car adapter	Safely navigate the dark; wave down assistance
Roadside triangle reflectors or flares	Warn others of a disabled vehicle, accident, or roadside hazard
Small tool kit (e.g., screwdrivers, adjustable wrench, pliers)	Perform basic repairs
First aid kit	Assist those with medical needs
Tow strap	Free a stuck vehicle; tow a disabled vehicle a short distance
Notepad and pen	Leave notes when you abandon your vehicle; write down tag numbers of a drunk driver
ResQme device	Cut seat belt if trapped; break out windows if vehicle becomes submerged
Roll of heavy-duty duct tape	Tape broken windows; fix tears; build shelters; secure enemy’s hands; countless other uses
Windshield ice scraper	Clean snow and ice from window
Spare tire, jack, lug wrench, and small board to put under jack	Change flat tire
Warm blankets	Keep warm when stranded
Pair of comfortable walking shoes and socks	Walk to safety
Maps and/or GPS unit	Navigate to safety
A few bottles of water	Stay hydrated
Backpack	Use as a grab-and-go bag if forced to leave the vehicle
Essential personal medicine	Enough to get you to safety
Cash	Pay for gas, roadside assistance, food, water, or lodging when credit is unavailable
Heavyweight canvas bag	Store your emergency supplies; load and unload easier

A more thorough roadside emergency kit can be stored in a large duffle bag. Having it in a bag allows you to quickly load or unload it. Ideally, the duffle should have shoulder straps, enabling you to easily carry it should you be forced to abandon your vehicle. Below is a general list of emergency supplies. You should review the list and tailor it to your specific needs and any likely threats for your area.

“Kitchen Sink” Roadside Emergency Kit

Everything from the “Just the Basics” kit	Takes care of most common needs
Class ABC or BC fire extinguisher	Extinguish small car fires
Leather work gloves	Protect your hands while changing tires, digging out car, etc.
Flashlight with spare batteries and car adapter	Safely navigate the dark; wave down assistance
Warm weather clothing (e.g., hats, gloves, coat)	Keep warm when stranded or hiking to safety
Large funnel	Fill radiator; add oil; funnel urine into plastic bag
Gallon-size freezer bags	Urinate in bag when stuck in traffic, or unable to go outdoors
Bulb-style siphon	Siphon fuel from a vehicle or gas container
Bag of kitty litter	Provide traction in mud or snow
Fix-a-Flat tire sealant	Quick temporary fix to a flat tire
Tire pump	Fill a leaky tire
Tire gauge	Check tire pressure
Hand-ratcheted winch (a.k.a., a "come-along")	Pull your vehicle out of the mud or snow
Permanent marker and plastic transparencies	Leave a weatherproof note on your windshield
Pack of wet wipes	Clean up after treating injury, or being contaminated
Bungee tie down cords	Strap down supplies to roof or truck bed
Plastic wire ties	Secure shelters; tie enemy’s hands; make repairs
Disposable camera	Snap evidence at scene of accident
Oversized Heatsheet reflective blanket	Use as lightweight, portable blanket
Emergency food, such as high calorie food bars	Eat when stranded, or when needing energy
Drinking water	Drink when stranded, or when unable to get to water source
Respirator; either low-cost Type N95 or gas mask	Protect from airborne threats
12-hour Cyalume chemlights	Provide night safety
Waterproof matches	Start a fire when stranded
TinderQuik (to start a fire even when wet)	Use as tinder for fire
Parachute cord	Make shelter; secure items
Lightweight rain poncho	Keep from getting wet; also doubles as a temporary shelter
Rescue whistle	Call for help
Quality fixed or folding-blade knife	Used for self defense, cutting supplies, shaving wood, cleaning animals, etc.
Position locator beacon	Signal for rescue from anywhere in the world
NukAlert	Detect high levels of radiation
Travel toiletries	Keep yourself clean during an unexpected evacuation
Change of clothes	A fresh set of clothes can help to feel refreshed

Most retail roadside emergency kits are grossly inadequate. It is much better to assemble your own kit with quality, hand-picked supplies that will adequately meet your needs. One last thing… don’t forget to keep a little cash in your car. It could come in handy if you have to bug out in a hurry or if you break down and need to pay someone to help you.