Useful Things To Keep in Your Car In Case of Emergency

There are obvious things that everyone should keep in their car, like a spare tire and jumper cables. But there are a few household items that, I find, come in handy for everyday emergency situations.This list is not in any particular order, some items are more important than others. But hey, it will all fit in the car.

From the tiny, plastic toothpick to the scissors, the Swiss Army Knife is an invaluable tool. A knife is a good tool to cut food or plants, as well as prying open your car door when you lock your keys inside. I once found an apple on a hike that I cut up using the knife, which was a great provided a great boost of energy for the whole hiking party. The uses for a knife are too numerous to name in this short article, and the average Swiss Army Knife can be cheaply acquired at your local department store or Army Surplus store. Nothing brings out everyone’s inner MacGyver like a good, useful knife.

Where will you be when diarrhea hits? This charming meme has been making the rounds on the internet for quite some time, but there’s a grain of truth to be heeded. Toilet paper has saved my rear-end more times than I care to mention, especially on a mountain trip or driving through the desert. You can also use it to clean up spills in your car or blow your nose.

Sometimes accidents happen at work, on a trip, or if you spill a burrito on your shirt at lunch. It’s never a bad idea to keep extra clothes in your trunk for whatever the occasion, you’ll thank yourself later. Even if it’s just tennis shoes for after a wedding, it’s a lifesaver.

This one is a no-brainer. When you’re on an adventure, there’s a risk that someone may get hurt. Whether you have to wrap a sprained ankle or stitch up a bullet wound, you will be glad to have the first aid kit.

Have you ever been stranded somewhere without food? Maybe waiting for a friend to get their stuff together? Or having engine trouble on a hot day? Food like crackers and nuts can handle a bunch of temperature fluctuations and provide some nourishment in an emergency. Water is also an awesome thing to keep nearby. One note about water storage though, try to use a metal thermos instead of plastic. When plastic gets hot, it releases chemicals into your water, and you want to avoid that. Your gut is saved thanks to your preparation!

You never know what's going to happen out on the road or trail. Often, when night falls, the temperature drops like a rock. You don't want to be stuck somewhere with no means of warmth in case your car breaks down or something to that effect. If you have an emergency blanket, you can keep you and your compatriots warm. You can also haul supplies or injured people in it. Like the army knife, there are about a gazillion uses for a sturdy blanket or tarp if you put your mind to it. An authentic wool blanket is best, as it traps the heat, repels water and doesn't melt to your skin when on fire like synthetic fabrics.

A way to start a fire is completely invaluable when you're out, roughing it. Fire creates warmth, a means to cook food, and provides light. That's why everybody makes such a big deal when they make fire on those survivalist television shows, it's important.

Yes, you should keep a spare tire and jumper cables and a jack in your car if you are handy and can fix these small problems. In any case though, it's generally a good idea to have these items stowed in the back of your car just in case some crazy stuff goes down. Really, you never know, and you don't want nature to catch you with your pants down. This whole thing started when I was stricken with a mad bout of diarrhea out in the middle of nowhere. Staggering back to my car, I was elated to find a forgotten roll of toilet paper and bottled water. Clean and rehydrated, I could happily go on my way. The discovery of toilet paper was pure chance, but man did it make me happy to have it. So I've made this list for you, in hopes that you can learn from my own desert adventures.