These guidelines are designed for everyday people dealing with unexpected situations. You don't need special equipment or training to follow them. The goal is simple: stay safe, make clear decisions, and avoid unnecessary risk.
This content is available offline for use during emergencies.
Vehicle Emergency Bag
Keeping a small bag in your vehicle can make unexpected delays, detours, or evacuations much safer and more manageable. This bag should be easy to carry and usable if you need to leave your vehicle.
Water & Hydration
- Water bottles or sealed water pouches
- Electrolyte packets or tablets
- Collapsible water container (optional)
Why it matters: Dehydration increases fatigue, confusion, and poor decision-making.
Food
- Shelf-stable, ready-to-eat snacks
- Foods that tolerate heat and cold
- Items that do not require cooking or preparation
Why it matters: Hunger affects focus and energy, especially during long delays.
Clothing & Weather Protection
- Lightweight jacket or insulating layer
- Mylar emergency / space blankets
- Hat for sun or cold
- Gloves appropriate for the season
- Compact rain poncho
Why it matters: Exposure is one of the most common causes of discomfort and injury.
Light & Visibility
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Spare batteries or rechargeable power source
- Reflective vest or high-visibility item
Why it matters: Visibility improves safety if stopped on roads or moving at night.
Power & Electronics
- Phone charging cable
- Battery bank (fully charged)
- Vehicle charging adapter
Why it matters: Navigation and communication rely on power.
Navigation & Information
- Printed local map
- Written emergency contacts
- Permanent marker and small notepad
Why it matters: Digital systems may not always be available.
Medical & Personal Care
- Basic first aid kit
- Personal medications (as appropriate)
- Hand sanitizer
- Tissues or wipes
Why it matters: Small medical issues can become major problems if ignored.
Comfort & Practical Items
- Multi-purpose tool or small knife
- Duct tape or zip ties (limited quantity)
- Earplugs or eye mask (optional)
- Small towel or bandana
Why it matters: Minor tools and comfort items solve many small problems.
Personal & Safety Items
- Copies of important documents (paper or secure digital)
- Emergency cash in small bills
- Whistle or small signaling device
Why it matters: Identification, payment, and signaling may be needed when systems are disrupted.
Optional Additions(Situation & Climate Dependent)
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Dust mask or respirator
- Compact blanket or emergency bivy
- Spare eyeglasses or contacts
General Guidelines
- Choose a bag you can comfortably carry for several miles.
- Keep weight reasonable — lighter is better than overpacked.
- Check and refresh items at least once a year.
- Adjust contents for climate, season, and personal needs.
This bag is not about survival scenarios. It's about staying safe, mobile, and comfortable when plans change unexpectedly.
First Decisions
- Take a moment to pause before acting. Panic leads to poor decisions.
- Identify the type of situation you are facing (weather, fire, earthquake, power outage, etc.).
- Determine whether the situation is immediate (minutes) or developing (hours or days).
- If you are safe where you are, staying put is often safer than traveling.
- Avoid driving unless there is a clear reason to move.
- Follow instructions from local authorities when available.
Using Maps
- Conditions can change faster than roads or traffic reports are updated.
- Avoid routes that pass through low-lying areas, narrow roads, or bridges if conditions are uncertain.
- Choose routes that give you more options if you need to turn back or change direction.
- If navigation systems are unavailable, use landmarks and known roads rather than unfamiliar shortcuts.
- Slower routes are often safer than faster ones during emergencies.
Staying Put Safely
- Staying indoors is often the safest option during storms, earthquakes, or air quality events.
- Move to a safe area away from windows or unstable objects.
- Conserve phone battery and essential power sources.
- Use available information to monitor conditions rather than repeatedly checking outside.
- Only leave if your location becomes unsafe or authorities advise evacuation.
Vehicle Readiness
- Keep your fuel level as close to full whenever possible.
- Have basic supplies to manage delays, weather, or road closures.
- If stranded, stay with your vehicle unless it is unsafe to do so.
- Make yourself visible if stopped along a roadway.
- Running out of fuel or power creates unnecessary risk during emergencies.
Traveling During Disruptions
- Leaving early is usually safer than waiting until conditions worsen.
- Avoid driving into areas with limited exits or heavy congestion.
- If a route appears unsafe, turn around early rather than pushing forward.
- Take breaks if you feel fatigued or overwhelmed.
- Reaching a safe intermediate location is often better than pushing toward a final destination.
Medical & Personal Safety
- Address injuries early, even minor ones.
- Stay hydrated and protect yourself from extreme temperatures.
- Know when to seek medical help and when it may be safer to wait.
- Keep essential medications accessible.
- Avoid unnecessary physical exertion during stressful conditions.
Communication
- Communication systems often fail due to congestion, not damage.
- Send short, clear messages when possible.
- Avoid repeated calls or messages that drain your battery.
- Establish a single point of contact if traveling with others.
- Be prepared to operate without communication for periods of time.
Types of Emergencies
- Different emergencies require different responses.
- Fire, flooding, storms, earthquakes, and power outages each create unique risks.
- Avoid assumptions based on past experiences — conditions vary.
- Secondary hazards often cause more harm than the initial event.
- When unsure, choose the option that minimizes exposure and movement.
Managing Stress
- Stress affects judgment and reaction time.
- Slow down your breathing and focus on one decision at a time.
- Help others remain calm by speaking clearly and confidently.
- Fatigue increases risk — rest when possible.
- You do not need to solve everything at once.
Returning to Normal
- Conditions may remain unstable after the main event passes.
- Watch for damaged roads, utilities, and structures.
- Follow official guidance on re-entry and travel.
- Update plans as new information becomes available.
- Take time to recover physically and mentally.
Final Note
You don't need to be perfect. You only need to be calm, informed, and cautious. Small, thoughtful decisions can significantly reduce risk during emergencies.