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)