B&A Products' automobile/portable emergency kit #9003 is a fully equipped kit designed to fit in the truck of your car. It contains all the "hardware" items we would want to have with us in a serious emergency and still fit in a "portable" case. Fully loaded the kit weighs approximately 45 pounds. It measures 10.25" x 27.5" x 16.5".
There are all kinds of potential emergencies. This includes anything from a simple car failure in a remote location, to a major storm; such as a hurricane or tornado. Our Portable Emergency Kit is designed to provide you with supplies to help you through the first critical 72-hours, and equipment for an extended period. This kit contains duplicates of key items (ex: poncho, coffee cup, emergency blanket, etc) for a second person. In an emergency you may likely need: medical aid, water, food, light, heat and protection from the elements.
With this in mind, we have selected items that you may need and still be able to fit them into a portable container. The durable black plastic container was chosen for its size and portability. Inside the main case are two smaller black plastic cases for storage of the smaller items of the kit. The entire kit can be stored in your home or automobile.
The kit is supplied with a package of nine Coast Guard type high energy, emergency food bars that can withstand elevated temperatures and have a 5-year shelf life. A separate beverage kit contains two packages each of coffee, tea and chocolate cocoa. The kit has a camp style cook set, two metal coffee cups, and eating utensils.
The kit contains a five gallon water carrier (shipped empty), 8 four-ounce packages of 5-year shelf life purified emergency drinking water, plus three cartons of thirst quenching Gatorade to provide electrolytes. Water is bulky and heavy, so the amount you can store and carry in the kit is relativity small. For water purifying we have provided a portable water filter (Katadyn, considered the best available), to be able to filter potentially contaminated water, and a bottle of water purification tablets.
The kit includes a 10-person first aid kit, an "Extractor" snake and insect bite kit, and two separate elastic bandages (3" and 4"). We suggest strongly that you take a formal first aid course to properly use the supplies provided in these kits. The first aid kit contains a small first aid card. If possible read the card in your spare time to become familiar with it, before an emergency. In the midst of an emergency is not the time to try and learn first aid.
For illumination the kit contains a battery operated 2-cell aluminum flashlight (alkaline batteries installed), a "Dyna-Light" flashlight, 12-hour chemical lightsticks and two 36-hour emergency candles. The Dyna-Light doesn't require batteries. It operates by hand pumping the unit, thus there is not a concern about fresh batteries.
For fire starting, the kit contains 2 packages of wind and waterproof matches and a fire starter kit. A small stove with solid fuel tablets is furnished for light cooking or warming liquids.
The kit contains two light weight ponchos, two aluminized "emergency blankets," and a tarp. Also included are: a multi-powered (solar/crank/ battery) transistor radio (with 2-AA batteries installed), a pocket knife, a survival hunting knife (with miniature compass), Gerber Multi-pliers (with case), axe, folding shovel, folding saw, hammer, crow bar, open-end wrench, compass, whistle, can opener, metal mirror, folding scissors, sewing kit, roll of toilet paper, small package of tissue (Kleenex), cloth work gloves, latex gloves, two pair of goggles, 4 dust masks, 100' nylon rope, a roll of nylon twine, a roll of duct tape, 2 plastic trash bags, a cloth shop towel, a small tooth brush with toothpaste, and one-ounce bottles of camp soap, insect repellent and SPF30 sunblock.
The kit has several items packaged in zip lock plastic bags to protect the items from moisture. As you use these items and remove them from the bags, save the bags -- they may be important for later use. A notebook and pen are provided to keep notes or for messages (as an example, if you leave the car to inform anyone looking for you which direction you went). A small belt pouch is provided for money storage. You should put some change and bills in this for a source of emergency money. The change and bills are not provided with the kit.
The kit also includes a copy of a Survival Handbook. Packaged with this manual, in a plastic bag, are instructions and packaging for several of the items. You should review these at your convenience. Afterwards they can be discarded or kept with the kit for future reference.
It is suggested that you familiarize yourself with the items contained in the kit. Open the kit and spread the items out on the floor or a table and examine them. Add your personal medications and some change. Rearrange the items to suit yourself, for ease of finding them in an emergency. Even remove items that may not be important to you. Then repack the kit, becoming familiar with where each item is located. The kit does have a little extra space to add items you may want or feel are important.
The kit contains only a minimum amount of food. It is suggested you have a separate container for additional food items (ex: MREs, etc). Items that are not a part of this kit, but you should consider as emergency equipment, include shelter and clothing. For shelter you might want to have a small lightweight tent. Extra clothing should be selected to match the season.
Kit maintenance should include checking and/or changing the batteries in the flashlight and radio approximately every six months. The water purification tablets and chemical lightsticks typically have a three year shelf life. Replace these after this time. Replacement items are available from B&A Products or your local sporting goods store.
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Original date: July 23, 1997
Last updated: Aug 21, 1999
Copyright 1997-2002