A vehicle hurricane kit should keep you mobile, safe, and self-sufficient if stranded. Key items include a fully stocked first-aid kit, a Ready.gov Build A Kit guide, jumper cables, Fix a Flat or something similar, a manual tire jack, non-perishable food, water, flashlights, a car cell-phone charger, paper maps (if you can find them!), and emergency cash.
Obviously you’re not going to drive around with all of the items below in your car, but it’s a good idea to keep a stocked bin handy if you have to evacuate, so you can spend time and mental energy on prepping your home.
Roadside & Mechanical Tools – good to have year round, not just during hurricane season
- Jump starter or jumper cables: To revive a dead battery in an emergency.
- Tire supplies: Properly inflated spare tire, wheel wrench, and a tripod jack.
- Flat tire repair kit: Can fix minor punctures if you cannot reach a mechanic immediately.
- Multitool & Basic tool kit: Essential for minor mechanical fixes or cutting away debris.
Safety & Survival Gear – think downed trees, powerlines and debris that seems to always find a tire to puncture
- First aid kit: Fully stocked with bandages, gauze, antiseptic ointment, and required medications.
- Visibility aids: Reflective triangles, brightly colored cloth, and a high-decibel emergency whistle.
- Personal protection: Sturdy work gloves, safety goggles, and rain ponchos.
- Flashlight with extra batteries: Critical for signaling or navigating in the dark.
- Fire extinguisher: An ABC-rated portable fire extinguisher is highly recommended.
Sustenance & Personal Comfort – you may have to travel a fairly long distance to real food and stores–don’t evacuate hangry
- Water and Food: At least a 3-day supply of drinking water and non-perishable, high-energy snacks (e.g., nuts, protein bars, dried fruit).
- Warmth: Blankets or emergency Mylar sleeping bags.
- Sanitation supplies: Moist towelettes, disinfecting wipes, toilet paper, and heavy-duty garbage bags.
Navigation & Documentation – bonus points if you’ve already mapped out your evacuation route and lodging options
- Mobile communication: A 12V car charger and a backup portable power bank for your cell phone.
- Navigation: Paper road maps of your region and evacuation routes, in case cell towers go down or GPS systems fail.
- Important Documents: Keep vehicle registration, auto insurance info, and personal identification in a waterproof bag.
- Emergency Cash: Small bills, as ATMs and card readers often fail during widespread power outages.