# What emergency supplies should be kept in the car? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [January 24, 2011, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-emergency-supplies-should-be-kept-in-the-car/568796 "2011-01-24T16:27:42Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Ferret\_Herder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e47774/32.png) [@Ferret\_Herder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ferret_Herder)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2011, 7:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-emergency-supplies-should-be-kept-in-the-car/568796/21 "2011-01-24T19:33:58Z")
> [@Malthus](#): > > I dunno, seemed to work pretty good when I’ve used it. Clumping litter, or the standard stuff? ---
**Author:** ![Telemark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telemark/32/372_2.png) [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2011, 8:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-emergency-supplies-should-be-kept-in-the-car/568796/22 "2011-01-24T20:03:52Z")
Shovel for snow - either for getting unstuck or for digging out a parking space on the streets after a storm. ---
**Author:** ![Malthus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/85f322/32.png) [@Malthus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malthus)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2011, 8:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-emergency-supplies-should-be-kept-in-the-car/568796/23 "2011-01-24T20:05:44Z")
> [@Ferret\_Herder](#): > > Clumping litter, or the standard stuff? Non-clumping. Stuff that comes in largish grains. ---
**Author:** ![Scubaqueen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c0e974/32.png) [@Scubaqueen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scubaqueen)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2011, 8:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-emergency-supplies-should-be-kept-in-the-car/568796/24 "2011-01-24T20:35:09Z")
> [@Dung\_Beetle](#): > > On a recent trip to Colorado, we got stuck in a combination traffic jam/blizzard for some time. I had to pee in a coffee cup. So, I would recommend a small bucket. all very fine and good for you _ **boys** _, but what about us girls? all kidding aside, that’s an issue we should probably give some thought to, ladies. in any case, i can see that i need to \*\*seriously \*\*improve on what’s in my trunk. the emergency kit, flashlight and first aid kit are a good start, but i don’t even have a blanket! ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2011, 8:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-emergency-supplies-should-be-kept-in-the-car/568796/25 "2011-01-24T20:40:01Z")
> [@Scubaqueen](#): > > all very fine and good for you _ **boys** _, but what about us girls? all kidding aside, that’s an issue we should probably give some thought to, ladies. Ummm… **Dung Beetle** is female. 😃 To that end, so to speak, you might want to pack [one of these.](http://www.rei.com/product/407267) ---
**Author:** ![Dung\_Beetle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dung_beetle/32/7945_2.png) [@Dung\_Beetle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dung_Beetle)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2011, 8:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-emergency-supplies-should-be-kept-in-the-car/568796/26 "2011-01-24T20:45:01Z")
Oh yeah, and **Lynn** ’s suggestion of toilet paper was a good one also. :o ---
**Author:** ![Swallowed\_My\_Cellphone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9d8465/32.png) [@Swallowed\_My\_Cellphone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Swallowed_My_Cellphone)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2011, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-emergency-supplies-should-be-kept-in-the-car/568796/27 "2011-01-24T20:53:26Z")
> [@Sattua](#): > > Protein bars, bottled water, first aid kit, jumper cables, windshield scraper, a down coat, flares and waterproof matches, a rain poncho, those stretchy ties with hooks on the ends, spare wiper blades, spare tire and jack and wrench. We’ve got a box with all of that (except a blanket, not down coat) a first aid kit, and on long trips we also have an unopened quart of oil and windshield-wiper fluid. We also have one of those travel packs of tissues and dog poop bags. ETA: The _dog_ is the one who uses the poop bags. Sometimes we take him on trips and he needs to go. ---
**Author:** ![Leaffan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leaffan/32/299_2.png) [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2011, 9:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-emergency-supplies-should-be-kept-in-the-car/568796/28 "2011-01-24T21:02:09Z")
> [@Swallowed\_My\_Cellphone](#): > > … > > ETA: The _dog_ is the one who uses the poop bags. Sometimes we take him on trips and he needs to go. Well, I’m glad _that_ was clarified. :eek: ---
**Author:** ![Cat\_Whisperer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cat_whisperer/32/4839_2.png) [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2011, 9:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-emergency-supplies-should-be-kept-in-the-car/568796/29 "2011-01-24T21:14:46Z")
> [@BetsQ](#): > > For those of you who have included shovels on your list, what might you use them for (other than snapping turtles)? I can’t imagine a use for a shovel.\ You’re going to wish you had one when the zombie apocalypse happens. But yeah, until then, I just use mine for digging in snow if I have to. I should really put a chocolate bar or something in my trunk, too - maybe some dried rations. ---
**Author:** ![purplehorseshoe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/purplehorseshoe/32/2996_2.png) [@purplehorseshoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehorseshoe)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2011, 9:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-emergency-supplies-should-be-kept-in-the-car/568796/30 "2011-01-24T21:31:03Z")
I used to keep a disposable camera in my glovebox to snap a quick pic of the license plate in case I got in an accident with someone who wants to do a hit-and-run. Need to replace that. ---
**Author:** ![thirdname](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/d07c76/32.png) [@thirdname](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thirdname)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2011, 9:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-emergency-supplies-should-be-kept-in-the-car/568796/31 "2011-01-24T21:39:44Z")
Flathead & Philips screwdrivers and an adjustable wrench. I keep a wire coat hanger in my trunk that so I can use it to hold up my exhaust pipe if it ever falls down again. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2011, 9:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-emergency-supplies-should-be-kept-in-the-car/568796/32 "2011-01-24T21:51:18Z")
> [@Cat\_Whisperer](#): > > You’re going to wish you had one when the zombie apocalypse happens. > > But yeah, until then, I just use mine for digging in snow if I have to. I should really put a chocolate bar or something in my trunk, too - maybe some dried rations. For the zombie apocalypse you need [this shovel](http://www.onlyoutdoorgear.com/cold-steel-92sf-special-forces-shovel). ---
**Author:** ![Cat\_Whisperer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cat_whisperer/32/4839_2.png) [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2011, 9:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-emergency-supplies-should-be-kept-in-the-car/568796/33 "2011-01-24T21:56:20Z")
> [@silenus](#): > > For the zombie apocalypse you need [this shovel](http://www.onlyoutdoorgear.com/cold-steel-92sf-special-forces-shovel). Sharpen up the edges a little, and you’ve got a winner! ---
**Author:** ![lindsaybluth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/90db22/32.png) [@lindsaybluth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lindsaybluth)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2011, 10:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-emergency-supplies-should-be-kept-in-the-car/568796/34 "2011-01-24T22:15:50Z")
Why are some of you guys carrying towels? What can they be used for? I feel woefully underprepared with just flares and Fix a Flat (which nobody mentions). Fix a flat has saved me in two situations, once with a friend and once myself! zip ties and super tape - what are they, what do you use 'em for? I think a window breaker and a reflective blanket would be a good idea. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2011, 10:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-emergency-supplies-should-be-kept-in-the-car/568796/35 "2011-01-24T22:24:04Z")
[Extreme tape](http://www.duluthtrading.com/store/departments/tools-shop/quick-fixes-and-repair/96825.aspx?feature=product_4) Zip ties are handy for securing things that can’t be taped. ---
**Author:** ![Malthus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/85f322/32.png) [@Malthus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malthus)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2011, 10:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-emergency-supplies-should-be-kept-in-the-car/568796/36 "2011-01-24T22:26:49Z")
> [@silenus](#): > > [Extreme tape](http://www.duluthtrading.com/store/departments/tools-shop/quick-fixes-and-repair/96825.aspx?feature=product_4) > > Zip ties are handy for securing things that can’t be taped. That stuff looks great. I only have ordinary duct tape. ---
**Author:** ![Flutterby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/6f9a4e/32.png) [@Flutterby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Flutterby)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2011, 10:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-emergency-supplies-should-be-kept-in-the-car/568796/37 "2011-01-24T22:33:09Z")
Currently I keep a shovel, my emergency kit from AMA (which has assorted items mentioned above… Candles, matches, jumper cables, a call police sign in orange and black, space blanket and a number of other items I am forgetting right now), washer fluid, a first aid kit. When I go on the highway I add a sleeping bag, extra clothing and warmer jackets, snacks, water, that sort of thing. There’s probably items I should be carrying but I’m not but I already get laughed at by some friends who think I’m overly paranoid (though not so much since they needed the first aid kit and they hadn’t thought we’d need one). ---
**Author:** ![Rachellelogram](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rachellelogram/32/8689_2.png) [@Rachellelogram](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rachellelogram)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2011, 10:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-emergency-supplies-should-be-kept-in-the-car/568796/38 "2011-01-24T22:33:24Z")
I have lots of clothes in the trunk, and a warm winter jacket. In the car with me are a couple blankets and several pillows. I have a flashlight, too, and a small hammer (which could be used to break out windows). More as a side effect of not moving everything into my apartment than out of any notion of safety, though. I always have my cell phone charged and on me, with geico’s roadside assistance number programmed in just in case. ---
**Author:** ![Ferret\_Herder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e47774/32.png) [@Ferret\_Herder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ferret_Herder)\ **Post date:** [January 25, 2011, 12:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-emergency-supplies-should-be-kept-in-the-car/568796/39 "2011-01-25T00:46:34Z")
> [@lindsaybluth](#): > > Why are some of you guys carrying towels? What can they be used for? Towel: Like a blanket but absorbent. I’d probably use it to try to stop bleeding (worst case scenario) or help keep someone warm, or sit/kneel down on if we need to change a tire on the shoulder, etc. I also use it to level out the pet carrier when we’re toting the rabbits around - the back seat slopes backwards, and that would make the rabbits slide backwards continually in their carrier, which isn’t comfortable for them. ---
**Author:** ![Lynn\_Bodoni](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e47c2d/32.png) [@Lynn\_Bodoni](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lynn_Bodoni)\ **Post date:** [January 25, 2011, 1:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-emergency-supplies-should-be-kept-in-the-car/568796/40 "2011-01-25T01:15:17Z")
> [@](#): > > Why are some of you guys carrying towels? What can they be used for? Well, for one thing, it’s our way of remembering Douglas Adams. For another thing, they’re pretty handy in many situations. I recommend an old, ratty towel that’s close to being thrown out, though of course it should be clean. Or start out clean, anyway. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-emergency-supplies-should-be-kept-in-the-car/568796.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-emergency-supplies-should-be-kept-in-the-car/568796.md?page=3)