Get-home bag and vehicle kit

Getting home, and staying safe on the road

by Joe Miller

Disasters don't wait until you're home. A small bag at work and a kit in every vehicle get you home or through a night stranded.

Vehicle kitWaterA gallon, replaced eachseasonSnacksBars and nutsBlanketsWool blanket andemergency blanketsLightFlashlight and flares ortrianglesToolsJumper cables, tireinflator, tow strapFirst aid kitWith a tourniquetWinterShovel, scraper, catlitter for tractionPhone chargerAnd a power bankPaper mapOf your stateGloves and bootsWalking shoes for thedrive homeKeep the tank at least half full in winter and before storms.
It fits in a plastic tote in the trunk.
Stranded in winterDoDon'tStay with the vehicle; it's shelter and easier to findRun the engine about 10 minutes an hour for heatKeep the tailpipe clear of snowCrack a window when the engine runsTie a bright cloth to the antennaDon't walk off in a blizzardDon't let snow block the exhaust (carbon monoxide)Don't run the engine nonstop and run out of fuelDon't sleep without someone awakeDon't eat snow: melt it first
Most winter deaths in cars come from walking away or carbon monoxide.
Plan your route home1Three routesMain road, back road,walking route2Walking timeAbout 3 miles an hour onfoot3Stops along the wayFriends, family, safeplaces4Get-home bagAt work: shoes, water,light, map5Tell familyYour route and check-intimes
Know how you'd walk home from work.
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Sources

Checked November 11, 2026.