Survivor Jack's Ultimate Emergency Car Pack

Recent Blizzards have left hundreds stranded in their cars for hours, days - up to a month in one European situation.

Join Me in a real world, thought-game like "The Ultimate Altoids Survival Kit".  That one's for a pocket; this game is for Vehicles.

PLEASE give me your feedback about "The Ultimate Emergency Car Kit" that fits in a #10 Can with the Plastic Lid.  An empty ‘long-term food storage can’ or a family-sized Coffee can are good examples of this size.

The first photo is an overview of my first one I've assembled.  As you read the article, I'll explain why I chose the items I did.  As You continue reading, think of other items you'd wish you had IF stuck in your car, especially with others.   Post your suggestions.

I appreciate your time & your help!  

Step 1: Start With the Basics and Customize to Suit Your Needs

My Kit started with a #10 Container with a tight Lid,  4 large, plastic, double Zip Lock bags.  3 were folded and put into the bottom of the can.  I make sure I have a lid that fits tightly to keep moisture in - and out.  This is the basis for a simple, inexpensive "Trapped in your vehicle" portable toilet.

Step 2: "I Spent Two Days Trapped in My Car During the Blizzard"

The 4th bag contained an 'over-sized' roll of toilet paper and is sealed to prevent moisture contamination.  This becomes your family's toilet in a 'trapped in your car' scenario, like stuck-on-a-roadway during a Blizzard, or while fleeing a Hurricane, Chemical Spill or Wildfire.  You do not want to getting out of the traffic - or out your car - in many of these situations.

In the core of the toilet paper, we usually keep several tampons for: 

• their original purpose
• 1st Aid major bleeding wound plug
• fire starting material

In the event of a disaster, you can remove other survival gear from the can and put those items in one of the spare plastic bags.  Unzip the bag with the Toilet Paper and set the whole bag down into the can.  Fold the top of the bag backward around the top of the outside of the can.  Remove the toilet paper and you have a workable emergency car toilet for men or women.  After use,
the bag can be 'double sealed' and the lid snapped back on.  When the first bag is 'full', you have several spares.

Step 3: What Do We Do With the Empty Space? PT 1

In packing my Emergency Car Kit Can, this 'toilet' section only takes part of the space.   
I added:

• Cotton - 1st Aid / fire starter material
• Lighter for starting fires or light 
• Medicine Bottle - water resistant method for storing cotton & .........?  (Needle & dental floss, or ...)
• Hand Sanitizer
• Razor - shaving face or around a wound / small blade
• Magnesium Fire Starter - IF I have a chance to build one (warmth, cooking, melt snow, bring water to a boil, defense)
• ALL of the small liquid items will be stored in the small plastic bag.  In case they leak, it won't ruin the toilet paper.

 

Step 4: Empty Space? PT 2

I also included:

• Small, prepackaged 'Hotel/Motel' soap
• Foot Warmers
• Liquid Hand Soap - green bottle in photo (I later replaced it with one of my Wife's asthma inhalers)
• 2 Tampons
• Jumbo, Double Zip Lock Bag that toilet paper will be sealed inside before packing the rest

The Trick in this Mind Exercises is ---- What would you add?  We're running out of space at this point.

• A Spare Folding Knife?
• A deck of playing cards?
• LED flashlight and batteries? 

I am going to add two 'dry' granola bars, for example.  A Hand-cranked .Radio was too bag.  Small Ham Radio?

Step 5: Packing Your "Survivor Jack Ultimate Car Pack"

Much like packing your 72 Hour Bag (or Get Home Kit), you want to think "What might I need first?"  Those items go on the top.

We know our "Survival Toilet" scenario is a last resort so "spare bags" on the bottom is Okay BUT remember IF you needed water, you carry spare water containers.  (Drinking or a low radiator, for example)

Foot warmers & sanitation supplies can be at the bottom also.

The PHOTO is a little misleading.  In real world, the liquid soap, hand sanitizer and lighters are placed in the small plastic bag to prevent leakage damage.

I really want your suggestions below.

Since "finishing" this article, I've decided to add four emergency blankets to this Jack Pack.  My trade off is - I'm going to remove the cardboard core from the center of the toilet paper roll and compress it.  (I'm thinking of trying a 'Vacuum Seal' to maximize the space.)

FYI - In my car, I also carry a 72 Hour Bag, a 'gym bag' with a change of clothes & blanket or 'Winter Gear".  Those tend to wind up in a trunk when the car's full.  The #10 Can is easily accommodated in the passenger cabin during an Emergency..

What Would You Add?

Ask Yourself Right Now - IF I were stuck in a vehicle in a blizzard (worst case scenario), what else would I want within reach that fits in our #10 Can?

PS: IF you are curious about What lead to my Creating "Survivor Jack™", take a look at "Letters From Haiti & Japan".  It's 8:30 - all education - no commercials.  Learn what I saw and Didn't See about these major disasters.

Survivor Jack™
Be Honest, Be Excellent & Walk About Prepared®