Vehicle: Basic Emergency Kit

Last week I posted about a "Winter Vehicle Kit" and made reference to an "Basic Emergency Kit" (BEK) that you should keep in your vehicle at all times. I thought I would share with you what I plan to keep in my BEK to give you an idea of what you may decide to put in yours.

Just a quick note, if you received a Auto Kit for Christmas and you feel prepared because you threw it in your car, while some of them may have a few items that are useful, the majority DO NOT! I suggest you break it out and either add or take away from it to ensure it includes the things you may actually need and or know how to use.

Keep in mind these are just suggestions and what I feel work best for me, you may or may not have a need for some of these things but it is totally up to you. I just pray that you would at least prepare a little. Also, it may seem like all this stuff would be expensive but you don't need to add it in all at once, just start with what you may already have and slowly add from there. So lets get into the kit.

Basic Emergency Kit

• Glove Box
• Minor Medical Kit
• Band-Aid Assortment - (2 S, 2 L, 2 XL)
• Triple Antibiotic Ointment
• Burn Gel
• Antiseptic Wipes - for cleaning your hands.
• Q-Tips
• Medications - (2) Ibuprofen, (2) Acetaminophen, (2) Aspirin
• 1/4 inch Medical Tape - for the gauze.
• Sterile Gauze - (2) 3"x3"
• Non-Adherent Dressing - (2) 3"x4"
• Nitrile Gloves
• CPR Sheild
  - Even if you don't know CPR, these are very small and cheap and you can be a resource to someone who does. 30:2 Rate
• Documents
• Insurance - make sure it is signed.
• Registration - make sure it is signed.
• In Case of Emergency (I.C.E.) Card
  - Name, Blood Type, Allergy Information, Emergency Contact Information
• Crash Exchange Form - download here.
• Cabin
• Tissues
• Emergency Hammer (I actually want to switch this out with a ResQMe Tool)
• Gauze
  - I keep these separate because they are better for nose bleeds which myself and son have often.
• Pen/Pencil
• Paper
• iPod Charger
• Phone Charger
• iPod (Non-Winter)
• Sun Glasses
• Hatch
• Hydraulic Jack
  - this is an extreme item because maybe your vehicle has a built in scissor jack. If it does, get it out and make sure it works. I keep this jack because I have changed a tire using both types and believe me, hydraulic is faster and easier.
• Duct Tape
• Jumper Cables - make sure they are long and heavy duty (not found in most kits).
• Gas Can (2 Gallon Unused)
• Tow Strap (make sure it can pull your vehicle weight)
• Wool Blanket (70% or better, keeps you warm even if wet.)
• Copper or PVC Pipe (2 ft. with diameter to fit over your socket handle: leverage) 
• Backpack
• Rain Suit
  - the poncho is great unless you have to walk over a distance in the rain because it doesn't protect your pants. I have heard that, "two is one and one is none."
• Gloves
• Road Flares (LED or Old School)
• Head Lamp (Flashlight) - remember the batteries.
• Knife
• Rope/Cordage
• Safety Vest
• Hand Warmers
• Poncho
• Large Trash Can Liner
• Tool Bag
• Wheel Chock - I received some small plastic ones for Christmas (Awesome!!)
• Liquid Siphon
• Mylar Blanket (1 for each regular traveler)
• Lug Wrench (Make sure it fits your lugs!)
• Linesman Pliers
• Wire Cutters
• Needle Nose Pliers
• Mini Hammer
• Screw Driver(s) (Phillips, Flat, Torx, Hex)
• Socket Set (Metric or Standard based on your vehicle)
• Bungee Straps (Various Lengths)

Vehicle Preparedness: Emergency Kit

The leading cause of death during winter storms is transportation accidents. Preparing your vehicle for the winter season and knowing how to react if stranded, lost on the road, in an accident are the keys to safe winter driving. I was recently in an accident and it was about 19 - 20 degrees outside. I was cold to my core but had to remain outside the vehicle for the police and other parties involved. I was lucky enough that my vehicle could still safely run with the heat on. Basically, I wish I had been more prepared. So what can you do? It is as easy as 1-2-3!

1. Dress warmly and wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight clothing so you can adjust with the temperatures and conditions.
2. When the weather turns cold, add these few extras to any "Basic Emergency Kit"* which should be in your car at all times:

WINTER VEHICLE KIT:

• Hand Warmers: instant heat packs - Carry 4 per person — it'll give you 8 hours of warmth if you're stuck
• An Snow-brush and Ice Scraper: Don't get a cheap one, make sure it is solid and durable.
• De-Icer Washer Fluid
• Blankets/Sleeping Bags: You can use an emergency bivvy as well.
• Snow boots: Assuming you are not wearing them that day.
• Extra Pairs of Wool Gloves
• A Hat and Scarf
• Food and Water: Carry a supply of high-energy snacks and a bottle of water just in case you get stuck.
• Sack of Sand, Cat Litter, or Snow Melt (Salt) - For traction.
• Small Snow Shovel

3. Keep your gas tank at no less than half a tank to avoid freezing the tank and fuel lines. Let someone know your timetable and primary and alternate routes if they don't already.

Okay, so maybe the last one was more than one thing but I think you all can manage.

* More on this topic later.

Every Day Carry (EDC): On Person

Yesterday a co-worker asked me why I carry a multi-tool around with me every day. I told him you would not be able to count the times having a cutting tool with me came in handy. From opening those awful blister packs for the kids at the mall to random small cutting tasks, especially around the Holidays, it has been so handy to be able to reach in my pocket and have it taken care of. Last night I was playing soccer and a team-mate had a splinter in his finger. When I said, "Why don't you take it out?" He said, "I have to wait till I get home to get some tweezers." I provided him with tweezers on the spot from right out of my pocket. BAM! Metal shard removed. I understand these things are not life threatening events but there is something to be said about comfort. His exact words to me were, "I never thought to ask anybody if they had tweezers."

So what should you carry on your person everyday? After much research and experience and in my current environment, here is what I came up with:

• Watch - Time and Navigation.
• Wallet - Identification, Cash, Emergency Information Card
• Keys - Auto/Home Access and Whistle
• Multi-Tool or Knife - My recommendation is the Gerber Dime for light duty tasks.
• Phone - Call Someone, Infinite App Solutions
• Protection - Optional depending on your area but never a bad idea.

These things are the minimum and really take about 5 seconds to put in your pocket each morning and chances are you already carry most of these every day anyway. Special mention to the "Urban Prepper" for being the most helpful and realistic in my research.

Wait, What does this have to do with the Bible? While it doesn't directly relate, the Bible certainly speaks a lot about being prepared for everything. Jesus was the King of Preparedness, in fact, I believe He is currently preparing a place at this very moment (John 14:3). Maybe I will dedicate a whole post to the the Greek word: παρασκευάζω | (par-ask-yoo-ad'-zo) - to prepare. Which is incidentally where the word parachute was derived.

-- δῷ τίς παρασκευάσεται εἰς πόλεμον (1 Corinthians 14:8)