Car guide

Car emergency kit

What Ready.gov suggests keeping in your vehicle, plus the Red Cross advice to keep a first aid kit in your car.

Last reviewed 9 November 2026. Sources: Ready.gov, American Red Cross. Links are at the end of this page.

Key points (text version)

What to keep in the car

Get moving

• Jumper cables
• Cat litter or sand, for tire traction
• Ice scraper

Be seen

• Flares or a reflective triangle

Stay warm and found

• Blanket
• Map. Our tip: paper still works when the phone doesn't.
• Car cell phone charger

Care

• First aid kit. The Red Cross advises keeping one at home and one in your car.

Before you drive

• Keep the gas tank full (Ready.gov car safety tips).

Ready.gov gives no quantities for these items. Build the home kit first: see the 72-hour bag guide.

Sources

• Ready.gov: Car Safety, Emergency Kit for the Car
• American Red Cross: Make a First Aid Kit

General information only. Adjust for your health, family, pets and local conditions, and follow advice from your local emergency authority.

More guides

• The 72-hour survival bagWhat to pack: water, food, light, first aid and documents.
• Power out? Do thisWhat to have ready, what to do and when to throw food away.
• Make water safe to drinkBoil, disinfect or filter: the CDC steps for emergency water.
• Build a first aid kitThe Red Cross list for a family of four, with quantities.