What Should Go In Your Vehicle Emergency Kit

No matter where you live, you may find yourself needing to evacuate your home in the event of a severe storm or other type of emergency. Even though you hope your family will never have to go through it, being prepared makes sense, as it may shave pivotal moments from your departure time, plus help to reduce panic and provide a comfort layer in the face of a scary situation. Having an emergency evacuation kit packed and ready in your car can also help in the event of unanticipated, on-road situations you might encounter. Here are several important items to make sure you have on hand.

Water – People can go a longer time without food than water. You may not be able to fit as many gallons as you would like in the trunk of your car, but try to have at least one gallon per person at the ready.

Portable Water Purifier – A lightweight water filtering system can help extend your water supply and may keep your family safe from some types of bacteria and water-borne pollutants, particularly if the municipal water supply becomes contaminated. In order to determine the safety of the water, listen for official announcements, recommendations and warnings before you drink, even if you use a purifier. If you need to boil the water, you may need to rely on a portable generator for on-the-go power.

Food – Packing foods such as peanut butter and crackers, beef jerky, dried fruit and low-sodium canned foods are a must. Make sure you include a can opener and some paper goods.

Cash – If the electricity is down due to a storm or another emergency, you may need to rely on cash for vital purchases such as gas. If possible, have at least $500 on hand.

Emergency Numbers – A list of important telephone numbers kept safe and dry in a zip-locked plastic bag can come in handy if you need to communicate your whereabouts or connect with the authorities. You can also laminate your list.

Hygiene Supplies – You'll be glad you remembered to pack toilet paper, disposable wipes, antibacterial soap and disposable toothbrushes, as well as any other sanitary supplies your family might need, such as tampons and diapers. If you are traveling with pets, make sure to bring along plenty of plastic, disposable bags.

Clothing – A change of clothes including rain parkas, weather boots and gear for the current season should be packed for each family member, including undies and socks. Make sure your sizing is kept current, particularly if you have small children. Disposable hand and foot warmers may also come in handy.

Radio – Keeping connected to the outside world is vital. If you have no back-up power available, make sure you have a radio that is either solar or battery powered and an ample supply of the right size of fresh batteries to keep it running.

LED Flashlights and Emergency Flares – Have at least two flashlights on hand, in case one family member needs to leave the vehicle and family for any reason.

Portable Generator – A lightweight and easily transportable generator can help to keep your communications open and support your ability to care for your family, by providing on-the-go power for cooking and light. Portable generators can keep your personal electronics, such as phones and laptops, charged and at-the-ready, so you can keep on top of the situation at hand and get your family where they will be safest during an evacuation.

Blankets – An ample supply of blankets can keep people warm and also do double duty as ground cover, if needed.

First Aid Kit – A well-stocked first aid kit should include antiseptic ointment and lotion, band aids, ace bandages and over-the-counter medications such as aspirin or other painkillers, antacid and insecticide. Also make sure to include your family's prescription medications.

Corey Whelan is a freelance writer in New York. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

Learn more by visiting CBS New York's Storm Prep section