NOTE- This list has evolved since 1994 from "Greg's List" and is a suggested MINIMUM list, you
know what is best for you, and certainly add those things that are best for you and your family.
HOME & OFFICE EMERGENCY SUPPLIES, VEHICLE EMERGENCY KITS, PERSONAL SURVIVAL PACKS are also found on this website.
-webmaster
Greg's List
CAR or TRUCK SURVIVAL KIT
You are the one to judge how much space and what sort of container(s) you will use
in your car or truck... read through the suggested items and evaluate what is best for your
vehicle storage space. Your can use plastic tool boxes, storage boxes, suitcases, buckets,
backpacks, zippered bags,etc. You will probably change containers and contents during
the years..and it will tend to get larger, but it will bring you great satisfaction the first time
you use it..good luck and I sincerely hope you never use your kit, but it usually works out that you invent ways to use it.-Greg Greenwood "Greg's List"
FOOD (Non-Perishable)- Stored in large surplus Ammunition Can, or other sturdy
metal box. You know best what you need, consider "power bars", hard candy, canned
food (with canopener or pocket knife with opener), pack it carefully into the metal box,
hard candy, gum..remember this container may get warm chocolate not recommended,
consider fork, spoon, knife and cloth napkin.. plastic drinking glass, TUMS or ROLLAIDS,
Jerkey, canned fruit, etc. You know best, pack with towel or washcloth to keep it from
rattling and denting cans,etc You would not like to find the food containers broken when you want to use them.
WATER- plastic bottles with screw tops 4 twelve to 16 oz bottles suggested with a canteen or similar container that will go on belt, or has strap with canteen carrier.
SLEEPING BAG or BLANKET (wool is best)- For combating shock, or using for picnic,etc. Mylar "space" blankets are also good "extra"
SHOES or BOOTS- Sturdy sensible boots or shoes.. that you can hike in or walk
in bad terrain in. A pair of heavy SOCKS should be stuffed in each shoe.
MATCHES- in waterproof container, consider placing second portiion in
a different part of your pack.
FLASHLIGHT- with spare BATTERIES and BULBS. A couple bulbs can be wrapped in tissue, and put in an empty 35mm film container taped to keep it closed, and stored with
the batteries. 2 or 3 "D" cell flashlight is good (military surplus and coast guard approved
flashlights are very reasonably priced. Use ALKALINE batteries. A LANTERN that uses 6volt batteries are also very good. The often come with stands, straps and even radios.
FIRE EXTINGUISHER- An ABC type, consider mounting it in the passenger compartment, if not, have it near the top of your kit in trunk, or back of truck, so you can get to it quickly. READ INSTRUCTIONS on the extinguisher, be carefull, and do not take chances.
FIRST AID BOOK- Advanced First aid Manual or EMT manual.
FIRST AID KIT- Purchase one at auto or drug store, or build you own with what you need. (See the HOME EMERGENCY PACK for suggested First Aid Kit Inventory).
YOUR REQUIRED MEDICATION- have atleast a WEEKS supply if possible. Write down the prescription number and pharmacy incase you need to get some more later. Have
pills, etc. in approved containers, and then put them inside ZIP LOCK bag. If you use a liquid
medicine, use separate bag from pills.
SPARE GLASSES?- This is VERY good idea to have..even you OLD prescription if it
is useable...in a HARD CASE. Write your correct prescription on paper in case. CLIP-ON Sunglasses?
PORTABLE RADIO- Portable AM/FM (or AM/FM/TV/Weather,etc) radio. with SPARE BATTERIES and consider an optional earphone. If you leave the vehicle, you will be able to
keep up on news and weather effecting your situation.(DO NOT store batteries in this radio, and have SPARE set in separate zip lock bag)
CB RADIO(Optional)- Citizen's Band Radio... Portable hand held unit. 40 channel, uses AA batteries (ALKALINE) often 8 are used. KEEP spare set in separate baggie, DO NOT store batteries in the RADIO! This unit will have telescoping antenna, and often power cable to plug into a cigarette lighter long enough to operate the radio outside of the car. The RADIO SHACK stores are good place to find these on sale, as is SEARS, WALMART and COSTCO.
MAPS- Have recent (last 5 years) map (FREE to CSAA members) for your local area
and perhaps adjoining area you work or spend time in, and a STATE map.
NOTEBOOK- A small pocket size notebook with pen and pencil iin a zip-lock bag.
ZIPLOCK BAGS- Extra Gallon or quart bags, a dozen or so will be handy.
GARBAGE BAGS- 2 of the 45 gallon HD size, or 33 gallon OK. These can be used for rain suit by cutting hole in corners and center of top of bag for arms and head. they can protect you and your property.
FLARES- Note- put in large zip-lock bag. NEVER IGNITE A FLARE if GASOLINE
is dripping from wrecked vehicle or near dry grass. Use a couple rocks to keep it from rolling on pavement, or use an approved holder. Large folding reflectors are also good.
CLOTHING- Old COAT...if you do not have an old coat, get one at thrift store., put
some work gloves in the pocket, along with roll of LIFE SAVERS and a WHISTLE. A PAIR of comfortable PANTS for Men, Ladies decide on your attire. These pants should fit your
body, and have a belt attatched. A long sleeved COTTON shirt is good for summer with sleeves rolled up, and is good over existing shirt for layered warmth in winter. USE what
you want for clothes. Fold up and keep in zippered bag, or wrap in garbage bag,etc.
HOSE- 6' length of garden hose or SIPHON KIT from Auto Supply Store to siphon
gasoline into approved container to add gasoline to empty tank.
DUCT TAPE- Stored in a baggie, along with ELECTRICAL TAPE, and couple "extra" Band Aids.
WIRE CLOTHES HANGER- 2 minimum...
PAPER GOODS- Box or Tissue (kleenex,etc). some loose tissue in zip lock
bag and/or full box or travel size packet
TOOL KIT Minimum...Pocket Knife with can-opener/bottle opener, cork screw/ 4" blade, etc., Water-pump pliers, combo needle-nose/cutter, diagonal
cutters, phillips and standard blade screwdriver, 6- twiistems from garbaage bags, roll of
electrical tape, piece of "medium" grit sand paper... SUGGESTED.. large standard screw driver for prying or a "wonder bar",
8" crescent wrench, vise-grips, set of metric and standard drive wrench ratchet kit, combination metric/standard box/open wrenches, carpenters hammer(baggie with assorted nails) safety glasses or goggles.NOTE- If you are mechanical you will know what you need,
if not, don't take alot of tools.
CASH- in a baggie 10 ones and 2 fives, along with 4 dollars in quarters (pay phone). Possibly a check folded up and hidden in your kit.
JUMPER CABLES- if your batterie terminals are difficult to get to, be sure you purchase proper length and type of cables. READ instructions before using.
CAR KEYS- Extra Set OUTSIDE of the Trunk or interior. DO NOT
use full set with house keys,etc.wire them in place, cover with tape,etc.
EVALUATE- Do you have what YOU need? Is there more than you need?
WET TISSUES or BABY WIPES- Very handy on trips or clean up.
"WATERLESS" HAND CLEANER- Tube or container to clean hands
PAPER TOWELS- Roll or couple of CLEAN RAGS
TIRE INFLATION CAN- Compressed AIR with goop to fill hole
DISPOSABLE CAMERA- w/FLASH- for taking photos at accident scene or that picture of grandchild when you forget your "good" camera.
PHOTOCOPY of your driver's license, registration and proof of insurance.
ADDRESS BOOK- or short list of important phone numbers (DRS, INSURANCE, with policy numbers auto/medical, EMERGENCY LIST people to call to take care of you.
incase you can not tell anyone and the car is searched.
MEDICAL INFORMATION- In envelope with LARGE LETTERS "medical information" put in things that the EMERGENCY ROOM doctor will want to know.
including MEDICAL INSURANCE INFO.
FOLDING CANE- If you might need one, it is a life-saver, or used cane from thrift store.
CB RADIO- Portable 40 channel CB transciever, with antenna, 2 sets of
ALKALINE batteries(marked and bagged), with a cigarette lighter power cord long enough to stand outide the vehicle and operate the radio. Information and equipment at the RADIO SHACK stores, or check SEARS, WALMART or COSTCO.
READING BOOK- or couple magazines.. you may get stuck somewhere..
DECK of CARDS- solitare or card game might pass time.
Constantly evaluate what you have in your kit.. check condition atleast every 6 months
check condition of food and water.
EXPANDED TOOLS- as your experience dictates
EXPANDED FIRST AID KIT- as your experience dictates
WEB EMAIL ACCESS- consider establishing a WEB BASED EMAIL address
(they are FREE), like Hot Mail (MSN), or NETSCAPE, or even JUNO, or know how to access your personal EMAIL from the "WEB" if you are away. Be sure to put some
of the key email contacts in the ONLINE Address Book...
FOLDING CHAIR- or stool... how many times have you wanted one?
COPY of FAMILY EMERGENCY PLAN- Out of State Contact for separated family check-in,etc.
CONTAINERS- give thought to the containers used in your own SURVIVAL kit,
consider a small "pack or knapsack" to hold some items, that you can put selected items in
if you have to abandon the vehicle.
