Several years ago, when we were first married, we got stuck behind a wreck on our way home. It was a cold, wet, dark night in autumn. The first people on the scene were already helping the victims in the cars. Two young girls (unharmed, thankfully) from one of the vehicles were sitting on the side of the road shivering in the cold as they waited for the paramedics to arrive. Both girls had short sleeve shirts. Neither had a jacket. We happened to have a travel blanket in the car that we gave them to help keep them warm until more help arrived. While the first people to arrive were understandably busy helping the injured, it was surprising that none of the others in front of us had so much as a blanket in their car to offer the girls.
Each year you can find stories about people who were stopped on a road behind a wreck, got caught by a surprise storm, slid off the road in bad weather, broke down beside the road, or were in a wreck themselves. Most of the time, help is just a phone call away, but there are times when you can't get a cell signal or help can't get to you very quickly. For these reasons and more, it is a good idea to carry a bag of emergency essentials in your vehicle.
In building your emergency supply bag, you might want to consider including items you would need to make it home if you had to walk. Many prepper sites call this a get-home bag. This bag should contain the basics you need to get home or get to safety if you are stranded on the road. While hiking out might not be the best option in a snowstorm, it may be an option if roads are impassable due to something like an earthquake.
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Items to carry in your vehicle emergency bag:
First Aid Kit - A first aid kit will be helpful if you are in a wreck or come upon a wreck where there are injuries. The ability to stop bleeding or clean and sterilize a wound may save someone’s life.
Water – Staying hydrated is essential whether you are stuck in your vehicle or on the move. Water is also helpful for rinsing debris from wounds. Pouches or small bottles are ideal in case you have to carry your pack. Water is heavy and you won't be able to carry a lot of it very far.
Water Filter - If you have to hike out, you may need more water than what you can carry in your bag. Having a quality water filter gives you options if you come across a water source.
Food - Bars, beef sticks, and/or packs of freeze dried foods are good options. Keep it light, portable, and filling.
Emergency Blanket - Staying warm is essential to prevent hypothermia and can help with preventing shock. You can get an inexpensive emergency blanket (once known as space blankets) anywhere that carries camping supplies. These seem flimsy but they do help hold in the heat. Other options include a heavy duty emergency blanket and a wool blanket, which is naturally flame retarding and will help keep you warm even if it gets wet. We carry a wool blend blanket in the car and the lighter mylar emergency blankets in our portable pack.
Flashlight - Flashlights can be used for signaling as well as for a light source. Carry an extra set of batteries or invest in a quality hand crank light.
Glow Sticks – Glow Sticks are an inexpensive and lightweight light source. They are good for ambient light and are kid-friendly.
Poncho - Staying dry will be crucial. Hypothermia can set in quickly if you are wet. Something as simple as these affordable ponchos, which can be found in the camping section at your local store, will help. You can also opt for a higher quality poncho, like this reusable one that includes a pocket, corner grommets, and side buttons.
Tarp – A tarp can help keep you, your space, or your pack dry. This tarp is a good option because it doubles as an emergency blanket.
Clothing - Extra socks, a stocking cap, gloves, and a scarf will help in cold weather. A baseball cap is a good idea for sun protection in the summer. Work gloves will help protect your hands if you have to do any heavy work. A bandanna is a good idea as well since it has many uses. Bundling belongings together, wearing like a headband to keep the sweat out of your eyes, and wearing over your face to keep the smoke out of your nose are just a few of its many uses.
Pocket Knife/Multitool – From cutting seatbelts to fixing loose screws, there are so many uses for a good multitool. We highly recommend that you get a quality multitool such as a Leatherman. You do not want your multitool to break just when you need it most.
Paracord – Paracord has numerous uses. It can be used to tie down a tarp, to carry your belongings, to tie a splint, to tow a stretcher, and so much more. As a bonus, the inside strings can be used as fishing line or for emergency sutures.
Duct Tape – From closing wounds to sealing window cracks to repairing shoes, duct tape has many uses.
Hand Warmers - If you are stranded during winter, hand warmers can be an enormous help. They can help keep you warm whether you are in the vehicle or out in the weather. Take note that the disposable ones do expire, so be sure to check the expiration date and change them out regularly.
Fire Starters - Stormproof matches or a fire starter like the UST Blastmatch are good choices. Fires can be important for signaling, warmth, and cooking.
Fire Tinder - If you need to start a fire, fire tinder can be an enormous help in getting it going, especially in less than ideal conditions. You can purchase a lightweight option or make your own, just be sure to keep it dry.
Cash – It is always a good idea to carry some cash. Small bills tend to be best in case the stores are unable to make change for large bills.
Physical Maps - In case you have no digital map access and need to find an alternate route, it is a good idea to carry a physical map of your area in your bag.
Folding Shovel – A folding shovel is optional but can be especially helpful if you get your vehicle stuck in the snow or mud. Shovels like this one have multiple uses and can serve as a shovel, a saw, and a pick.
Whistle - In case of a crash and your vehicle lands off road, a whistle can help rescuers find you. Sports Whistles or emergency whistles work.
What kind of bag to choose:
Ultimately, what kind of bag you chose to keep your emergency gear in is up to you, but it should be portable. While a shoulder bag might be fine for packing your first aid kit from your car to another vehicle, it would not be comfortable to carry it a long distance. For this reason, most people choose a backpack. If you have to carry your gear a long distance, this will distribute the weight better on your body than a single shoulder strap, causing less discomfort. Ideally, you want your pack to be light while still holding the necessities.
Many people debate on color and style. Those who prefer to not draw attention (so as not be a target) tend to choose muted colors. Those who want to draw attention and be more visible (so as to be better seen by rescue crews) choose brighter colors.