Keeping some simple items inside your vehicle and maintaining those items, is as important as maintaining the exterior of your vehicle for your self-defense. No doubt you have seen or read about others traveling in a vehicle and becoming stranded, through no fault of their own, and being seriously injured or killed due to the lack of a few basic necessities. Just a few simple changes and a few simple items in your vehicle could save your life or keep you from serious injury.

One of the most important items to have in your vehicle is a flashlight. If you have a flashlight that uses batteries, test it from time to time and replace the batteries at least once a year. There are new types of flashlights that do not require batteries and last for years. All you do is shake them back and forth a number of times and they create their own electricity. Think of giving a flashlight as a gift. You could save someone’s life.

Another very important item to keep in your vehicle is water. If you break down on a hot summer day, thirst comes quickly. Even in the winter time, if you break down, or need to install snow chains, or need to stay with the vehicle or travel on foot for any length of time, you will need to have some water. Keep a few bottles in the trunk or under the seats. Do not forget to keep some extra for traveling companions and especially children and pets.

Keep a little food in your vehicle. Something that will keep for a number of months and not spoil or rot. Granola bars or crackers with a long shelf life will provide a little energy if you are stranded for a period of time. Remember to check the food items from time to time and replace or add to if necessary. Keeping a little something to eat in your vehicle can even be used if you are stuck in traffic for a period of time on your way to work.

In colder climates or in the winter, extra clothing should be kept in your vehicle. Instead of regifting a jacket or sweater you received, put it in your vehicle. Someday you might thank the person that gave you that “crazy” gift. There are now safety blankets and rain gear, used by hikers and campers, available at most sporting goods stores. Most are vacuum packed and take up very little space and are typically very inexpensive. Get a few of each for others traveling with you.

It may seem like a lot of space taken up in your vehicle and a lot of expense to purchase the items mentioned. But you can be sure that those who have experienced some type of vehicle breakdown in a hostile environment and did not have a basic human life sustaining item wished they had taken a little time and incurred a little expense. You never know what may happen. But if you do a little preparation you could save yourself or others in the long run. The first rule in self-defense is awareness. Awareness and being prepared is essential for personal protection.