Prep

Car emergency kit checklist

What to keep in the trunk in case you break down or get stranded. Tell us who's usually in the car, turn the winter items on or off, and print the list. Nothing leaves this browser.

Who's in the car?

Adults
2
Children
0

Saved in this browser for the other tools.

Your car kit

Water, snacks, blankets and reflective vests are per person. The rest is one per car.

Check it again every 6 months.

Water and food

Warmth

Light and phone

Breakdown

Ice and snow

From preppantry.app. Checked 2 November 2026. Independent tool, not official advice.

How it works

This list starts from the car kit in the Prep app and adds Ready.gov's car list and the CDC's winter car list. Ready.gov lists jumper cables, flares or a reflective triangle, an ice scraper, a car phone charger, a blanket, a map, and cat litter or sand for traction. It also says to keep a general emergency supply kit in your car.

Water, snacks, blankets and reflective vests are per person. The amounts are planning figures for a breakdown. Ready.gov's figure for a day is about a gallon per person, so if you drive long, empty roads, carry more.

The winter items are on by default. Turn them off if you never see snow, or for a summer list.

If you're stranded in a winter storm: Ready.gov says to stay inside your car. The CDC says it's best to avoid travel in a storm, and Ready.gov says to keep your gas tank full.

Common questions

What should I keep in my car for emergencies?

Ready.gov lists jumper cables, flares or a reflective triangle, an ice scraper, a car phone charger, a blanket, a map, and cat litter or sand. Add water, snacks, a flashlight and a first aid kit.

What should be in a winter car emergency kit?

The CDC adds warm clothes and blankets, a windshield scraper, a shovel, a battery-powered radio, a flashlight, water and snacks, tow chains or rope, tire chains, cat litter or sand, jumper cables, reflectors and road maps.

Why keep cat litter in the car?

Ready.gov and the CDC both list cat litter or sand. Spread under the tires, it adds traction on ice or snow.

Should I stay in my car if I'm stuck in snow?

Ready.gov says that if you're trapped in your car, stay inside it. Limit your time outdoors and watch for frostbite and hypothermia.

How full should I keep my gas tank?

Ready.gov says to keep your tank full in winter, which also helps keep the fuel line from freezing. For hurricanes it says at least half full so you can leave quickly.

Sources

Checked on 2 November 2026. This is an independent tool and not official advice. See sources and method.

Next