15 Things that You Should Keep in Your Car

When you look at your car you probably view it as a life saver in that it saves you from having to jam yourself onto overcrowded trains and buses with strange people. Your car saves you from having to take the 5 mile trek to work or the grocery store and most importantly it provides you excellent shelter during the winter months and rainy days. You probably never thought that your car could actually save your life

Life can throws us odd balls at any given moment which is why it is best for us to be prepared when and wherever we can. If you own a car there are certain items that you should have inside of it so that you can protect yourself in the event something goes wrong. Below is a list of ten items you should store in your car and why.

1. Scissors- Be sure to have a good pair of scissors nearby. You should keep these in the glove compartment for easy access. Scissors can you help you to easily cut yourself out of the seat belt in the event you crash and are strapped in the seat and can't get out. Make sure that you purchase quality scissors and not the kind made for children.

2. Blankets- Having blankets in your car can be a matter of life or death. Blankets can prevent you from hypothermia in the event you get stuck in below zero (or very frigid) weather. Fleece blankets and blankets made with down or wool are great for insulation and can keep you warm in cold weather. You can even throw a few snuggies in the trunk.

3. Canned food and a can opener is great to store in your car. You just never know when you might run into a situation when you are in dire need of food. Canned food is an excellent choice because it can be stored for years and there are so many varieties to choose from such as; veggies to SpaghettiOs, to soups and chili. Be sure to keep spare bottles, water and formula for infants. If you have any pets make sure to store some dry or canned animal food in your car.

4. Sweets- Sweets like candy should be stored in a car especially for individuals that suffer from diabetes. Hard candies like butterscotch, jelly beans, peppermints, etc -- are the easiest to store because they don't melt or crush easily.

5. First aid kit- Everyone should have a first aide kit in their car. Injuries can happen anywhere and anytime and it is best to be prepared. You can purchase an actual first aide kit from Wal-Mart or Target or you can prepare one yourself with items from home.

6. Batteries- This item may seem random but it can be really helpful to have some batteries by your side. Since batteries come in so many different sizes it might be best to get a variety pack. Batteries are ideal for your flash lights or radios.

7. Knife- a knife makes good use for protection and for cutting yourself out of tight spaces. Different states have various rules on carrying knives so you may want to google the laws on carrying knives. Since the knife is being kept in your car and not on your person it may be just fine.

8. Change of clothes- Clothing is always good to have in your car even if it is just a pair of jeans and a long sleeve t-shirt. You may never know when you need extra clothes. Sweaters should always be packed in your car especially during winter months. Wool sweaters are great for warming the body.

9. Tissue- tissue and napkins should have a special place in your car. Disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizers can also go in this category.

10. Water- water is a life saver, literally. The human body cannot go more than three to five days without water and for this reason it is always good to have a 12-24 case of bottled water in the back of your car.

11. Plastic utensils- utensils aren't the biggest necessity but can be helpful in situations where you need something to eat with.

12. Hammer- a hammer should be kept in the glove department alongside the knife. In the event your car plunges into water and the electricity becomes shot leaving you no way to open the door or roll down the window you will be stuck. A hammer will allow you to smash the window from inside and enable you to escape before you sink down deep depths with your car.

13. Cell phone (with charger)- cell phones are extremely important to have. Everyone should have a cell phone and no one should underestimate the importance of having a cell phone. If you find yourself in a terrible bind in the middle of nowhere you will need to contact someone somehow, that is when your cell phone comes into play. Be sure to pack an additional charger with your cell phone because a dead cell phone is a useless cell phone.

14. Flash light- flash lights are very beneficial as they will help you to see in very dark places. In the event your car breaks down in the middle of nowhere you will need some form of light. When you pack your flash light make sure to include a fresh pair of batteries.

15. If you can pack some extra medicine in your car then you should do so. You might not be able to store certain medications in your car like insulin because they need to be refrigerator. You can store asthma sprays, EpiPens, glucose machines and test strips, cold and fever reducing medicines and pills in your car.