Essential Gear for an Emergency Kit—for Cars or Go-Bags

That being said, doesn’t everyone always have an emergency crate of two dozen extra maruchan ramen packets? I cannot be alone in this.

A nice flashlight

We dare to recommend … absolute Best flashlight? One that you can submerge in water – and then purify the water with its light?

a lantern

Flashlights are great for walking around. But to stay still, you want a lantern. Of course there are plenty of fuel-based options available, but a long-lasting, battery-powered one Coleman LED Lantern ($22) A tried and true, no-frills option that promises you 175 hours of life before you need to change the battery.

A first aid kit

You can, of course, buy one Emergency kit from the American Red Cross ($43)or This one means having your car. Adventure medical kits make it even more outstanding Mountain Series Explorer Medical Kit ($83).

But for the frugal, check out this guide Put together a good emergency kit yourself for less money.

face mask

Sometimes all you worry about is disease. Sometimes it’s wildfire smoke. Or what else does the particle know from the Lord. But have you ever regretted having something good? Filtration mask Lying around?

Digital document backup

The oldest class people tend to neglect when thinking about emergency preparedness, Suri says, is vague. This can be as simple as a family communication plan and pre-arranged meeting points, so you know what to do if your family members are separated. But also, it’s important to have digital backups of original documents, says Suri, “anything of high value that could potentially be damaged in a disaster.” This may include insurance documents, home and car titles, medical information such as prescription drug lists and instructions, doctor contact information, and passport photos and state identification.

You probably have access to one form of cloud storage or another. See WIRED Guide to the best cloud storage services For each need and device type, and make sure you use a good one Password manager To protect any sensitive information. But especially if Internet access isn’t guaranteed—or you don’t want to store some documents in the cloud—a more secure option is Portable external storage drive Which can easily be slipped into a waterproof pouch. Wired reviewer Scott Gilbertson recommends OWC Envoy Pro Electron SSD ($179)) as a portable storage drive that can stand up to the elements and get wet—and travel with you anywhere. Or just store an essential item USB flash drive Like WIRED’s top-pick, SanDisk Extreme Pro ($42).

A burner phone, a passport and a Faraday bag

Wait, does that seem dramatic? Well, maybe—but better safe than sorry. Disasters take many forms, and some of them are human. Here’s WIRED’s guide How to assemble and set up a burner phone in a way that cannot be tracked. But to avoid phone trackers, you’ll also want a Faraday bag to block tracking signals, eg SLNT Faraday Bag from Silent Pocket. Real burner phones are not bought online. But if all you need is a search-safe phone for crossing borders, what you really want is an affordable one altophone Isolated from criminal data: Moto G Stylus 5G will fulfill your needs here.

Portable Power Bank

The world runs on electricity. The electrical grid can be fragile. Lithium-ion power packs are the modern answer – but this Can be a volatile technologySo you don’t want to resort only to the cheap ones. in portable Power bank And Large capacity power stationWired testers have long recommended portable devices from Zachary—starting with the 8-pound, 288-watt-hour 300 model that includes Solar options Up to a 62-pound behemoth with nearly seven times the power.

For your car: a jump-starter

In addition to basic power banks, you’ll probably want to make sure you can jump into your own car without needing (overwhelmed) emergency personnel. Wired testers have had great luck with Noko and Gulu devices.

a radio

Yes, a radio. You know, that thing in your car that you sometimes plug your iPhone into? However, regardless of what happens with the Internet or satellite, a radio is a good source of emergency information. There is one. Classic prepper advice is one Handcrank radio. But for short-term emergencies, batteries are also a thing.

Essential phone apps to download

Another thing people forget to do until the internet is already down? Download the emergency phone app. As of October 2025, Fame has an app. Your local municipality or state government may also opt-in to emergency push notifications: consider opting in. Wired lists several more Personal security applicationIncluding a subscription service called Rescu that can connect you directly to first responders.

Extra battery

Whatever portable battery powered devices you own? There are spare batteries for them.

A cooler and ice pack

A cooler is definitely helpful in keeping food fresh. But also, many medicines need to be temperature-controlled, noted Suri, a Columbia disaster preparedness expert. And so if this is someone in your family, a small one cold Combined with an ice pack or two from the freezer can also be a piece of emergency equipment.

Games for kids

This is another overlooked item recommended by everyone from emergency specialists to everyone who has ever met a baby. In stressful or prolonged situations, believe in distraction. It can be as simple as a puzzle book, a good building kit, Or foresight to grab the way out the door Nintendo Switch 2 and a small power bank WIRED’s Top-Pick Nimble.

Medical and personal items

In addition to prescription medications, an over-the-counter pain reliever and antacid tablets are helpful additions to any emergency kit. So are feminine hygiene products. So are toothbrushes and toothpaste.

Sanitizer

Urgent is a bad time to catch stomach bugs or any kind of infection. “Anything to maintain cleanliness, that’s so important,” says Suri. “Especially if we don’t have water, we just don’t want to get any kind of viral infection, or fecal, orally transmitted bacterial infection.” and so on Hand sanitizer Ending up being a big deal. so good ol’ Disinfectant wipes.

Nitrile gloves

The world is full of horrible things. And in some types of emergencies, contaminants are a real concern. Nitrile gloves will help you avoid touching it and they are cut and tear resistant. They are also essential in first aid.

An action plan for pets

Are you planning to leave Fido or Meowzer behind to clear these streets when the rains come? If not, have a pet carrier with portable food and water bowls. If the horse? You must own a trailer and something that can tow it If you have a pet boa constrictor, I don’t have good advice. [I do have a pet boa constrictor, and I recommend putting it in a pillowcase. —Ed.]

Additional useful items

A Can openerto open the can. A pair of scissors for all sorts of things. Duct tape and sheeting to provide temporary shelter or cover from the rain. Match box in ziplock baggie. A notepad and a pen. Non-shatter plates and cups, whether paper or metal.

Paper map of your area

Yes, they still exist. Yes, they are a good idea.