Emergency Gear to Carry in Your Car

You never know when you will be stuck in your car. Maybe there is a blockage on the freeway or a road gets blocked and you feel as though you may be stranded. If you have the kids with you, do you have snacks on hand? How about medications and water? What about warm weather preps?

Start a box that is designated to stay in the trunk of your car or truck that is designated for emergency gear. Rubbermaid containers with snug lids work well for this.

Put the jack and all necessary accessories to change a tire in this box or tub. Make a list of other things you could need.

Include a first aid kit, a large water bottle for each passenger your vehicle can carry, and a spare change of clothes. The most important changes of clothes should be extra underwear, plenty of socks (in case they get wet) and t-shirts. Extra t-shirts/sweatshirts can be layered for passengers in the winter months or can be used to hang in the windows to block sun in the summer months depending on the situation.

Carry things like a small bottle of aspirin, Tylenol, Ibuprofen and Imodium. You can usually find these or their generic equivalent at your local dollar store. Carry extra medications you may be required to take in case of an emergency.

Pack candles, flashlights and a fire source such as matches or extra lighters. Keep matches and lighters away from children. These can be used for light or to start a campfire if you've gotten lost in the woods or are trapped in a blizzard.

Consider word puzzles, coloring books and crayons and other fun type of games for kids and adults alike.

The last important item: Toilet paper.

Even if you only have water, toilet paper and snacks you will be better off than if you had nothing. Do your best to be thorough however and customize the box to meet the needs of your family. Carry your emergency box whether you ever use it or not. You will find over time you will end up using at least one item and you'll be glad you took the 30-60 minutes to prepare for your families safety.

This list is not all-inclusive. Nothing can ever prepare you 100% fully for every conceivable emergency. You are still in charge of making your own decisions. Be as detailed as you can think of will only help you in the long run. Consult expert survival advice when preparing for dangerous trips or otherwise may run into dangerous rather than inconvenient situations while traveling.