APRIL AWARENESS (Emergency Prep)

IDEAS FOR ITEMS TO PUT IN YOUR CAR KIT

First Consideration:  Where does YOUR car go and how many people go in it?  If you don’t leave town and your car only has 4 seatbelts, then you need different (and fewer) items than those who have a family van that goes “over the river and through the woods.”

Second Consideration:  Do you want to create “packages,” “individual kits,” or a combination of both?  If you only need one item (food) from each kit, then it’s nice to not have to open them all.

Last Considerations:  Supplies can be put into a variety of containers.  Ensure that they are not too big or heavy for YOU and that they will fit into the storage space you have available in your car.   Always keep your car gas tank at least ½ full.

ITEMS TO CONSIDER (one per person AND/OR packaged into kits by category)

• WATER- Purification method, small stove, metal cups.  Keep water bottles in car

• FOOD – High energy foods (may go rancid after a period of time) for at least 72 hours – able to withstand temperature variables, baby formula, candy, gum, etc.  Energy drink powder and/or cocoa.  Plates, cups, silverware. Can opener.  Backpacking stove/cook kit and fuel

• WARMTH, SHELTER, LIGHT - Mylar blanket(s) are space efficient, poncho(s), individual tent(s), change of clothing, socks, hats, gloves, etc.  (Cooling neck scarf).  Waterproof/windproof matches (in waterproof container), fire starter, hand & body heater packs.  Flashlight (extra batteries), candles, or light sticks

• TOOLS & SUPPLIES – Sharp knife, Leatherman, shovel, hatchet, flares, jumper cables, fire extinguisher, short rubber hose for siphoning, duct tape, leather gloves, stainless steel mirror

• SANITATION – TP, feminine protection, diapers, large sturdy garbage bag, hand cleaner/baby wipes, soap and other cleaning products

• PERSONAL COMFORT – toothbrush & gel, comb, tissue, razor, lip balm, sunblock, insect repellant, hand lotion

• MEDICATIONS & SPECIAL NEEDS - Prescriptions, extra glasses, keep pre-packaged at home in a grab bag for whenever leaving for an extended time

• FIRST AID KIT/SUPPLIES - To your level of training and including medications/prescriptions

• COMMUNICATIONS – AM/FM radio with alternate power source, 2-way radio, paper/pencils, whistle, cell phone (with emergency contacts pre-programed into the memory) & charger

• ENTERTAINMENT– Toys, books, games

• TRAVEL AIDS – Road maps, compass, GPS, money (small bills and coins), sewing kit

• EVACUATION - Backpack(s) to load items into if it is necessary to leave the car.  Waterproof paper/pen or marker for inside of car window to leave note about where you have gone.  Flagging tape to leave a trail and/or to make the car more visible

• DOCUMENTATION – Copy of power bill, contact names/phone numbers, bank accounts, insurance policies, prescriptions, health records & physician contact info, family photo, camera