Family Van Emergency Kit

I like to refer to my teeny bit of paranoia as "preparedness". With three kids and husband, it's always a good idea to keep your emergency kits up to date. So after a few years of watching Man vs. Wild and MacGyver, I've come up with a few kits I hope will help if anything unexpected occurs. Hee hee, maybe I'd better consult the recommendations of www.ready.gov/build-a-kit as opposed to a fictional, albeit awesome TV show.
I have several emergency preparedness kits & locations; the basement tornado kit, the quick kit in my purse, the hubby's "working man" kit, the emergency pantry, and more. Today, I am going to share with you my on-the-go Family Van Emergency Kit.

Family Van Emergency Kit
I need this kit to be multifaceted. It has to meet the small needs that may arise (hungry kids, headache, etc.), or if necessary become a survival kit. I needed the perfect grab-and-go case, and what works better than a double decker  cooler bag? Heh heh, I thought my "brilliant" idea of was one-of a-kind creative until I ran across a couple other bloggers  with cooler emergency kits. Well, let's just go with "great minds think alike". Lol, it makes me feel less sheepish.

Tips For Filling Your Kit
Shop the camping department of your favorite store to find everything you need. An outdoor store is best, but Walmart is cheaper.
You wouldn't believe how much stuff you can cram into such a small space! I divided items into like groups by putting them in tiny craft baggies and labeling them, it helps you find things quickly without rummaging through tons of stuff. Baggies are also a good idea for waterproofing, if your kit gets wet or something moisture rich decides to burst, you won't have drowned your entire kit rendering it a useless mess.

Van Emergency Kit Contents:

Food Storage Area –upper compartment

• Non-perishable food items, 
• Cup & camper seasonings, paper towels
• Gatorade packets, water packets

Injury, Illness, & Pain Management –main compartment

• Aspirin, non aspirin, Ibuprofen, antacid
• Bandages, & adhesive tape, neosporin
• Alcohol swabs, disposable gloves
• Children’s Tylenol
• Activated charcoal
• Thermometer
• Cough drops, zinc tablets, Emergen-C
• Anti-itch ointment, sun & insect spray

Personal Products – main compartment

• Feminine products
• Mints, wisp mini brush,
• Chapstick, petroleum jelly tube

Small Tools & Sewing – container in main compartment

• Needles, safety pins, thread, small scissors
• Nail file, clipper, scraper, & tweezers
• Superglue, glasses kit, & spare glasses/contacts
• Clothing stain stick

Extreme Survival –main compartment

• Water purification tabs & liquid storage bags
• ¼” x 50’ poly rope
• Emergency poncho’s, windbreakers, & blanket
• Emergency whistles
• Lightstick, flashlight
• Matches, + waterproof, flint
• Multitool, nails
• Compass/whistle/thermometer
• Handwarmers
• Campers toilet paper & paper towel

General/Misc. –side & front compartments

• Napkins, & plastic utensils
• Plastic bags
• Sharpie, pen, & paper
• Antibacterial wet wipes, & dish soap

Keep Up Your Wit & Kit
Ok, I have been in enough weird random situations to know that preparedness is half the battle. Keep yourself educated, be well informed in addition to having the necessary tools. Oh, and watching Survivor Man doesn't count. Review certain basic emergency procedures from time to time; know CPR, know the signs of stroke or heart attack, know what to do in a natural disaster, keep a booklet with emergency basics handy.
The other important thing is to keep all your emergency kits up to date. Change out medications that may expire, restock used items immediately, etc. 
My philosophy, better to be safe than sorry!  

Key Ring Pill Vial

I have such a nice little brother, and not just because he gave me this awesome key chain! Can you say "product love"? (!!) Typically I don't like key chains or anything besides my keys hanging from the ring, but this is functional and has proven very useful in a few emergencies. 

I have no idea where he got it this particular one, but you can find them on Ebay or Amazon. Google "key ring pill cache" or "key ring drug holder". 
The vials are used to store emergency aspirin, or whatever medication you might need in a bind. I already keep emergency aspirin and ibuprofen in my purse, so I decided to keep activated charcoal (in powder form), and cayenne in my vials. You're wondering why in the world I keep those two items? Here is another Google task for you: "uses for activated charcoal", this stuff is amazing! The activated charcoal is a must for people with young children.  I kept it just in case of accidental poisoning when my kids were toddlers. You know that moment when something suspicious is discovered on the corner of your munchkins mouth, but she seems fine and a little too happy? Yeah, I would sprinkle a little charcoal in their juice or milk and keep a close eye on them, just in case!   My family tends to use it whenever anyone has an upset stomach, gas, or diarrhea. Charcoal absorbs toxins, odors, and has many uses...be aware that it will also prevent any medication you might take from being absorbed while it is in the system. The cayenne I keep in case of cold or allergy induced mucous, sometimes I get this "tickle" in my throat that won't go away which leads to a lot of embarrassing  hacking, and drinking a little of this helps a whole lot! I also find it has other benefits when recovering from a cold or sore throat.
Whatever you decide to store in your vial, it is good to be prepared for any emergency! Better safe than sorry right?