The Compass DeRose Guide to Emergency Equipment For Your Car

This page was written by Steven J. DeRose on 2003-03-30, and was last updated on 2003-03-30.

This page describes what I think you should have in your car for (a) everyday breakdowns and emergencies, and (b) using your care to evacuate in a big emergency.

(just starting on this page, more to come)

General equipment:

Keep the car going

• Car in good repair
• Spare tire at proper pressure
• 2 cans of oil
• Jumper Cables
• Good maps
• Road flares
• Air pump
• Tire-sealer and pressurized air can
• Tools: hammer, visegrips, screwdrivers, shovel
• Duct tape (seal hoses, etc)
• Epoxy (good for lots of emergency repairs)
• Water (clean, so it can be for you or for the radiator)

And in case it breaks down really bad...

• Flashlight that works
• Lightsticks (for when the flashlight doesn't work)
• Flourescent spray paint for trailblazing, signalling, etc
• Blanket(s)
• Protein bars, juice bags, etc.
• First aid kit
• Tie-down straps (I like the ratcheting nylon web kind)
• Plastic tarp
• Rope (say, 100' of "parachute cord")
• Extra cash
• Something fun, like a deck of cards
• Fire-starting equipment: bow saw, matches, fire jelly

Evacuation additions

To evacuate, you have several additional problems to prepare for:

• Gas will likely be unavailable
• Gridlocked roads
• Roads blocked by fallen trees, broken-down cars, etc.
• Bridges washed out

To handle these larger problems, be sure you also have:

• 10G of extra gas, preferably in metal containers
• Chainsaw and related stuff (chain oil, wrench, spare chain)
• High ground clearance and standard transmission
• 4WD and Locking differential
• Towbar
• Winch
• 3-foot pry bar
• Things to barter or bribe with, other than cash

And in case you simply can't get any farther by car, be prepared to hike:

• Backpacks
• Sleeping bags
• Change of clothes
• Emergency food
• Plates, cups, utensils
• Water purification
• Mylar "space" blankets
• Rain gear
• Hiking boots
• Topographic maps of your area
• Compass (even if you also have a GPS)
• Essential toiletries

And finally,

Always know where your towel is

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