In this installment of our prepping supplies series we go over get home bags, EDC (Everyday Carry) and what you should have in your car or automobile. We didn’t spend much time on get home bags and EDC gear because we have 2 detailed articles and podcast (linked to above) that go into much more about those.

We decided to focus this podcast and article on car kits because with the amount of time we spend in our car, and the dangers we could face make an emergency car kit one of the most important kits we need.

Along with a regular emergency car kit you can get from your local auto parts store that contains jumper cables, extra fuses, road flares, road signs and the spare tire (with jack) that should already be in your car you need to add a few things to make this even better.

SPP251 Get Home Bags, EDC, and Car Kits

As I said, this week we covered get home bags, everyday carry items, but we spent quite a bit of time talking about prepping and emergency supplies we should have in our automobiles. Next week we are going to wrap everything up talking about prepping at home.

Another article I suggest you take a look at is our 12 most important survival supplies Article. This article goes over what the most important supplies and prepper gear is in the preparedness community.

Prepping Supplies and Car Kits

You need to make sure and rotate the supplies in your car kit at the change of each season. This is because winter supplies will be a little different than summer supplies, and food, water and first aid supplies will need to be rotated.

First aid supplies kit: A “boo boo” kit will just not cut it in your car, your car first aid kit should be pretty extensive. The odds of something serious happening increase tremendously when we get behind the wheel. Include items you might need for injuries that would be caused by a car accident.

Water: You will want 2 to 3 gallons of water, this can be a case of water, or gallon jugs. Water will not go bad, but temperature changes in your car are extreme compared to outdoor temperature changes. Weather below 0 degrees will cause the water to freeze and expand. In the winter months leave a little room in the container for expansion.

Food: Make sure to include foods that will withstand extreme temperature shifts and are “nonperishable” Unlike your bug out bag, you can actually put canned food in the trunk of your car…just don’t forget a can opener.

Tool Kit: Include a set of tools in your car kit. This can be as simple or as complex as needed, include tools like screwdrivers, socket set, wrenches, pliers, vise grips, adjustable wrench, tire pressure gauge, etc. You don’t need tools to change a transmission, but you do need tools for minor repairs.

Flashlight: You might as well have a few of these. Make sure you have multiple light sources and make sure they don’t all run on batteries. It can be a small pocket sized flashlight, a solar lantern or even glow sticks. It gets pretty dark at night no matter where you are so make sure you have this area covered.

Headlamp: You might be thinking that this is the same thing as a flashlight but it’s not. If you have ever tried to work on something while holding a flashlight in your mouth you know what I mean. If you are working in the dark,