Anyone else using this social distancing time to reflect on your emergency preparedness? The current health situation requires most of us to shelter in place, but what if you had to leave your home? Is your vehicle also well equipped?
We wanted to share an example vehicle emergency supply list to get you thinking about what to stock in your vehicle if you have not already. Needs and quantities will vary with different households, capacity of vehicle, climate, type of emergency, and duration of time you wish to prepare for.
Needless to say, a StowAway Hitch Cargo Box is a great asset during any emergency situation as it can increase your vehicle's carrying capacity, leaving room for the kids, your essential gear and your pets.
FOOD/WATER/HEAT
- water purifier or purification tablets
- non-perishable / dehydrated food / MREs (meals ready to eat)
- can opener
- spork or utensils
- moisture-proof matches / lighter / long burning emergency candles
- tinder
COMMUNICATION / NAVIGATION
- hand cranks flashlight with radio & USB port
- solar power cell phone charger
- laminated card with emergency numbers (auto insurance provider and a towing company) and medical information
- GPS satellite tracker
- maps
- analog compass
- one- or two-way radio
- USB charging cable and wall plug
TOOLS / UTILITY
- field knife
- multi-tool
- 50 feet of cordage
- tarp
- duct tape
- extra light sources (head lamps, glow sticks, candles, LED lanterns)
- spare batteries
- basic cleaning supplies (dish soap, all-purpose cleaner, laundry detergent, broom, garbage bags, bucket, and cleaning rags)
- storage ziploc bags
- heavy-duty, large or contractor trash bags
- wet wipes
- nail clippers
AUTO
- toolkit (plain and Phillips screwdrivers, hammer, pliers, adjustable wrench, locking jaw pliers, saw, etc.)
- warning triangles
- high visibility vest or reflective tape
- tire chains or traction aid
- spare tire, wheel wrench and tripod jack
- tow strap
- seatbelt cutter and window breaker tool
- jumper cables
- for cold weather: ice scraper, snow brush, shovel, windshield washer fluid, warm clothing, cat litter for traction and blankets
FIRST AID / SAFETY
- respirator and filters
- first aid kit (gauze, tape, bandages, antibiotic ointment, aspirin, a blanket, non-latex gloves, scissors, hydrocortisone, thermometer, tweezers and instant cold compress)
- medication (Tylenol, ibuprofen, other)
- fire extinguisher
- loud whistle or air horn
SLEEP / CLOTHING / HYGIENE
- sleeping bags or heat blanket (consider mylar space blanket that takes up very little space)
- layering clothing (consider microfiber for warmth and dryness)
- toiletries, grooming, and personal supplies
- travel toothbrush and toothpaste
- washcloths, towels, and extra toilet paper
- 2 changes of clothing for each family member (clean, comfortable, and respectable)
- rain poncho
- toilet paper
DOCUMENTS / MISC
- waterproof paper and pen
- documents (USB and paper)
- photos of everyone you're traveling with
- cash
FOR KIDS
- games / activities
- if you have babies, diapers, bottles, formula, and stuffed animals or comfort toys
We found these websites to be excellent resources as well. Please check them out:
The Prepared: Emergency kit / Bug out bag list
Uncharted Supply Co: Bug Out Bag Checklist
Bug Out Bag Academy: 25 Car Emergency Kit “Must Haves”
RV Life & Travel: Stock Your RV for Emergencies
Please comment below if you have any additional emergency item ideas that you keep in your StowAway...