After a quake, your car or truck may be more than transportation, it may be escape vehicle or even temporary home.
Here are some things you'd be happy to have kept in your vehicle if the time comes that you need them.
How much space you can devote to this storage depends, of course, on the kind of vehicle, where you think you might be and your own discretion.
Don't worry if you can't keep EVERYTHING on the list in your two seater sports car.
Any of these things that you find most important will put you way ahead of nothing. Go over the list and choose. A vehicle earthquake kit that you buy already put together would be a good (and immediate) alternative with a few of the most important items on this list added:
- Half a tank of gas. Fill up when you're down to half. Gas stations may not be operating.
- First aid kit.
- First aid book.
- Emergency clothing: warm jacket, extra shoes, gloves, a change of clothes.
- Wet wipes.
- Foods (jerky, boxed drinks, granola bars).
- Space blankets.
- Toilet paper and toilet kit.
- For younger family members, extra diapers, a "comfort creature" (stuffed animal or toy) and a book or game for diversion.
- Water.
- Flashlight.
- Tools for emergency repairs.
- Flares.
- Cell phone and car charger for your cell phone battery.
- An extra pair of glasses or contacts.
- Extra prescription medications.
- A copy of your emergency contacts and phone numbers list.
- Jumper cables.
- Matches in watertight container (ziploc bag).
- Maps.
- Plastic garbage bags to use for rain ponchos, water proof storage, or sanitary disposal.
- Siphon kit or six foot length of hose and an approved container to carry gas if you run out.
- Portable radio. Don't store the batteries in it. Keep them separate in a ziploc bag.
- Folding knife.
- Can opener.
- An extra set of batteries for your flashlight, radio and other devices.
- Backpack to carry any of these supplies in case you leave the vehicle.
- Notebook and pencils.
- Can of tire sealant for emergency tire inflation.
- Extra car keys, well hidden. NOT under the floor mat.
- Photocopy of your license and insurance. You may not have the originals with you when you make it to the vehicle. Keep this hidden too.
