This Woman Has An Emergency “Get Home” Bag She Keeps In Her Car, And Here Are The 26 Items She Keeps Inside
InterviewWhile emergencies don’t happen every day, it’s never a bad idea to consider what might happen in certain scenarios and be prepared to counteract them, even if the likeliness of such scenarios seems very unlikely. After all, when they do happen, harm could have an easier time reaching you, unless a backup plan of some sort is in place.
TikTok user Perkyprepper has dedicated herself to making videos about exactly that – getting ready for various emergency situations. Today’s post was inspired by one of her videos, in which she talks about preparing for an on-the-road emergency, whether it is your car breaking down in a remote area or getting trapped in a snowstorm. The video went viral, amassing 1.6M views, 231.9k likes and prompted over 1.5k comments.
More info: TikTok
This TikTok user shares various urban survival advice that could help you prepare for the unexpected
Image credits: perkyprepper
Perkyprepper is a TikTok user with quite a large following (130.5k), who shares her meticulous preparations for various potential urban emergencies. She describes herself as a “beginner prepper” so perhaps some of her advice should be taken with a grain of salt, however, according to nsc.org (America’s nonprofit National Safety Council), her suggestions are mostly in line with theirs, that is, apart from optional items such as contact lenses. In an interview with Bored Panda, Perkyprepper explains why she got into prepping and shares some advice for those starting out.
The TikTok user begins listing all of the bag’s contents, showing clothing, heat, fire and light-related items first
Image credits: perkyprepper
Image credits: perkyprepper
Image credits: perkyprepper
The TikTok user begins taking out various items out of her bag and they already seem well thought through. A change of clothes is important in many ways, including if your current clothes get wet. Warming tools, a blanket and fire-starting tools are obviously crucial for survival, especially if your car runs out of fuel or electric power and you cannot create heat anymore.
During the interview, Perkyprepper shares that she grew up in a rural area where prepping was just part of people’s lives: “Planning for power outages, limited to no access to stores, and being able to evacuate quickly was the norm.” She then explains that after moving to the city, she felt that there was no need to stop prepping just because of the change in location, and due to the lack of information on urban prepping, Perkyprepper decided to start making instructional videos.
She then proceeds to show food, sanitation and medical supplies, as well as miscellaneous tools
Image credits: perkyprepper
Image credits: perkyprepper
Image credits: perkyprepper
Image credits: perkyprepper
The TikTok user then pulls out water and food supplies. Water purification tablets are essential to expand available water supply, meanwhile 48 hours of food should be enough in a lot of situations until rescuers find you or until you manage to get out of the situation at hand somehow. A first aid kit is obviously a must-have, while Advil (an anti-pain medication) is also good to keep around. Having a phone charger is just as essential in case your phone runs out of battery and you have to call for help.
When asked about the main piece of advice Perkyprepper would give to those starting out she said: “To start! I think prepping can feel overwhelming to a lot of beginners because there is so much to buy, learn, and do. That being said , it doesn’t happen overnight!” She also adds that there is no “right” way to prep, but it’s the decision to start that really matters.
Check out the full video below
@perkyprepper Often overlooked prep⚠️🙏🏼 What else is in your “get home” bag? #preppertok #urbanprepper #gethomebag #carprep #shtf #emergencypreparedness #preptokk ♬ Hell N Back – Bakar
Commentators were quick to add their own suggestions, while some cracked a joke or two
All in all, it is never a bad idea to be prepared for unlikely, yet dangerous scenarios. You never know when things can go wrong, so this TikTok user definitely has a point about being ready for various challenging or even dire scenarios. Perkyprepper also says that prepping being expensive is a common misconception, especially considering that most preppers “build their stockpile over a long period of time.”
According to her, beginners should start with small, but regular purchases, and when it comes to higher-priced items like tools and supplies, one should start with the basics and save up to buy one at a time. Lastly, Perkyprepper says that she continually tracks and rotates her stockpile in order to ensure she’s not wasting any food and is always ready for the unforeseen.
What do you think about prepping? Let us know in the comments below!
186Kviews
Share on FacebookDoes she regularly drive through vast swathes of desert or wilderness? I think what would be needed in an emergency will really be quite different depending on where you live. Here in Germany, it's practically impossible to get stranded in any place that's farther than about two or three hours by foot to the next human settlement, but people have been stuck in traffic jams on the autobahn for whole nights in winter.
In 20 minutes I can be at the edge of 100s of miles of wilderness, I can also choose a multitude of roads where I can drive for miles without seeing another human. I'm not in the middle of nowhere either, my house is 15 minutes from shopping and a hospital. In the US many people live in areas like this.
Load More Replies...I'm not watching the linked video (I don't support tiktok if I can help it), but one thing that needs mentioning is that you take out and review the contents on at least a monthly (if not weekly) basis. Powerbanks can lose charge over time even unused. Food has expriry dates. Obviously, tools and clothes are probably okay to leave until needed. But, often overlooked, medication also expires and will lose its effectiveness. This shouldnt be a prep-and-forget bag, or it'll be useless when actually needed.
I saw on some fact-checking website or YouTube channel (it was a long time ago) that the food expiration dates are just randomly chosen based on guesses. Medication dates, on the other hand, need to be adhered to.
Load More Replies...Also de-icer, scraper and a first aid kit. In my classic I also carry jump leads, tow rope and a foot pump.
I know you know, but for everyone else: Know where and how to hook a tow strap up to your vehicle. You don't want to be one of those 'fail' videos where they just tear the front end off the car. Also, read the owner's manual procedure for jump-starting your particular vehicle.
Load More Replies...My old chemistry teacher and survival expert Mr. Tuitt would suggest adding a big black garbage bag to the kit. It will keep snow/rain off you keeping you dry. Just poke a hole through the bottom and wear it like a parka. It will also trap in body heat and keep you warm.
One of the comments mentioned toothpaste and a toothbrush. I just rediscovered Colgate Wisp disposable toothbrushes. I had them many years ago and then never saw them in a store again. Just last week, I found an old pack that expired in 2015! Just for ha-has I started looking for them in stores. Found them at Target! Anyway, they would be great in an emergency bag like this. Or for the hookups with frat boys as mentioned in another comment.
I live where it is hot, so I don't need winter gear, but in my car I keep a change of clothes, a small first aid kit, a phone charger, extra sunglasses and reading glasses, jumper cables, a small tool kit, and a WW2 military rain cloak... big enough to keep me and a large bag dry. Because I do animal rescues, I also keep cat and dog food, kevlar gloves, and extra collars and leashes, and I have a transport carrier in the trunk, along with a couple large paper bags for bird rescues. If I am leaving town, I add a couple jugs of water and snacks.
I never thought of the extra clothing and a few years back I was VERY nearly trapped on the motorway with those who spent a full 24 hours there..
I've had that happen as well, during a snowstorm. I keep a lot of things in my car now, that I didn't before.
Load More Replies...If she drive throught remote places, I get it. I don't think it's necessary if you live in densely populated area.
I've been thru major earthquakes and have had to evacuate rapidly for wildfires secmveeal times. We have bags in our cars like this, and bug out bags near the door with important documents.
I have tried to keep water and some other liquid type stuff, but everything freezes here.
Add a spare cell phone with its fully-charged battery removed and scotch-taped to the outside of the phone. Load the phone with contact numbers. A shovel to dig out snow, especially to clear the tail pipe so CO won't build up inside the car. A gas station can of gasoline Boots Flares Jumper cables Some kind of mat to lay under the wheels for driving out of mud or snow Something to read -- a couple of long-read magazines like the New Yorker, for instance, or a great book
I live in the Pocono mountains... I've had this in my trunk for years!!! Good on ya!
NEVER keep a power bank in the car. The inside of the car can get very hot in the summer. So Hot it might blow up the battery. Seen it a couple of times
This is a great idea but jeez at some point this is more of a zombie apocalypse survival kit than a "get home bag". Hope ppl have a big trunk, you'll probably need a decent sized storage tub for everything on the list.
Make sure to recharge that phone charger regularly. They don't just stay charged. Should also have a can of Fixaflat and one of those units that can jump start your car battery. And a wire coat hanger and strong enough pliers to cut and bend it can come in handy for lots of stuff.
I'd add money. As a starter bag, this is a decent beginning: tailor to your environment as needed.
After getting stuck on the interstate for 7 hours, in addition to my get home back, I also keep a "female toilet" in my bag.
I have a "an-earthquake-just-made-our-house-collapse kit and doesn't have half of these items. I should prepare better
This is her "Get Home" bag? Most of this stuff lives in my car & purse already lol
Word of warning to anyone who's building their own bug-out/get home bag. Referencing any first-aid/trauma gear (or any gear really in the bag), know how to efficiently use all your items! Don't be carrying a TQ, like one person suggested in the comment, and not know how to use it, or worse, incorrectly use it and end up having to amputate the extremity due to improper use or whatnot.
I will add another for the ladies: a little plastic tub with a lid that you can pee in. Think you don't need this? I had friends stranded on frozen highways for up to 18 hours in Atlanta a few years ago. It happens.
After my sister got stuck for 7 hours of traffic during Snowvember, I made her a similar kit (socks, emergency blanket, snacks, etc.). Only, I added a "travel potty" (jane with absorbent tube attached) for discreet urination when surrounded by cars. She was all, "Eww I will never ever use that thing!" But yeah, it stayed in the kit when she put the box in her car. Sure it's gross, but what's the option?
I skipped this to say what I usually say: If you can't survive with what you can carry, you won't survive. If your brain isn't your number one item in your survival kit, you're done. And if you can't tie good knots (and by that you know three types of bowline), please skip the flippin' paracord and just go with zipties.
I live in central Europe, so no need for all this survival stuff. But in winter, I always have a spare jacket, wool hat, socks and a blanket in the car.... you never know
For the 1st week of getting a car....... 'oh i'm gonna have all my stuff in the boot/trunk labelled..... and i'm only ever ever only put stuff in there that has a purpose. From the 7th week on though?....... anything and everything that can fit in a car boot is put in it.. even if you have to bend it against itself first. S**t... I once found wedding presents in my car boot to a wedding i'd already got divorced from. car boots are like that..... they'll swallow up s**t and throw it back out when it hurts.
Younger people might not know all this stuff and they do get a lot of their info from social media? We don't have to like that fact, but even very old things are frequently "news" to teenagers and young adults and social media is where they find them.
Load More Replies...its possible this woman doesn't get periods, not all do!
Load More Replies...Does she regularly drive through vast swathes of desert or wilderness? I think what would be needed in an emergency will really be quite different depending on where you live. Here in Germany, it's practically impossible to get stranded in any place that's farther than about two or three hours by foot to the next human settlement, but people have been stuck in traffic jams on the autobahn for whole nights in winter.
In 20 minutes I can be at the edge of 100s of miles of wilderness, I can also choose a multitude of roads where I can drive for miles without seeing another human. I'm not in the middle of nowhere either, my house is 15 minutes from shopping and a hospital. In the US many people live in areas like this.
Load More Replies...I'm not watching the linked video (I don't support tiktok if I can help it), but one thing that needs mentioning is that you take out and review the contents on at least a monthly (if not weekly) basis. Powerbanks can lose charge over time even unused. Food has expriry dates. Obviously, tools and clothes are probably okay to leave until needed. But, often overlooked, medication also expires and will lose its effectiveness. This shouldnt be a prep-and-forget bag, or it'll be useless when actually needed.
I saw on some fact-checking website or YouTube channel (it was a long time ago) that the food expiration dates are just randomly chosen based on guesses. Medication dates, on the other hand, need to be adhered to.
Load More Replies...Also de-icer, scraper and a first aid kit. In my classic I also carry jump leads, tow rope and a foot pump.
I know you know, but for everyone else: Know where and how to hook a tow strap up to your vehicle. You don't want to be one of those 'fail' videos where they just tear the front end off the car. Also, read the owner's manual procedure for jump-starting your particular vehicle.
Load More Replies...My old chemistry teacher and survival expert Mr. Tuitt would suggest adding a big black garbage bag to the kit. It will keep snow/rain off you keeping you dry. Just poke a hole through the bottom and wear it like a parka. It will also trap in body heat and keep you warm.
One of the comments mentioned toothpaste and a toothbrush. I just rediscovered Colgate Wisp disposable toothbrushes. I had them many years ago and then never saw them in a store again. Just last week, I found an old pack that expired in 2015! Just for ha-has I started looking for them in stores. Found them at Target! Anyway, they would be great in an emergency bag like this. Or for the hookups with frat boys as mentioned in another comment.
I live where it is hot, so I don't need winter gear, but in my car I keep a change of clothes, a small first aid kit, a phone charger, extra sunglasses and reading glasses, jumper cables, a small tool kit, and a WW2 military rain cloak... big enough to keep me and a large bag dry. Because I do animal rescues, I also keep cat and dog food, kevlar gloves, and extra collars and leashes, and I have a transport carrier in the trunk, along with a couple large paper bags for bird rescues. If I am leaving town, I add a couple jugs of water and snacks.
I never thought of the extra clothing and a few years back I was VERY nearly trapped on the motorway with those who spent a full 24 hours there..
I've had that happen as well, during a snowstorm. I keep a lot of things in my car now, that I didn't before.
Load More Replies...If she drive throught remote places, I get it. I don't think it's necessary if you live in densely populated area.
I've been thru major earthquakes and have had to evacuate rapidly for wildfires secmveeal times. We have bags in our cars like this, and bug out bags near the door with important documents.
I have tried to keep water and some other liquid type stuff, but everything freezes here.
Add a spare cell phone with its fully-charged battery removed and scotch-taped to the outside of the phone. Load the phone with contact numbers. A shovel to dig out snow, especially to clear the tail pipe so CO won't build up inside the car. A gas station can of gasoline Boots Flares Jumper cables Some kind of mat to lay under the wheels for driving out of mud or snow Something to read -- a couple of long-read magazines like the New Yorker, for instance, or a great book
I live in the Pocono mountains... I've had this in my trunk for years!!! Good on ya!
NEVER keep a power bank in the car. The inside of the car can get very hot in the summer. So Hot it might blow up the battery. Seen it a couple of times
This is a great idea but jeez at some point this is more of a zombie apocalypse survival kit than a "get home bag". Hope ppl have a big trunk, you'll probably need a decent sized storage tub for everything on the list.
Make sure to recharge that phone charger regularly. They don't just stay charged. Should also have a can of Fixaflat and one of those units that can jump start your car battery. And a wire coat hanger and strong enough pliers to cut and bend it can come in handy for lots of stuff.
I'd add money. As a starter bag, this is a decent beginning: tailor to your environment as needed.
After getting stuck on the interstate for 7 hours, in addition to my get home back, I also keep a "female toilet" in my bag.
I have a "an-earthquake-just-made-our-house-collapse kit and doesn't have half of these items. I should prepare better
This is her "Get Home" bag? Most of this stuff lives in my car & purse already lol
Word of warning to anyone who's building their own bug-out/get home bag. Referencing any first-aid/trauma gear (or any gear really in the bag), know how to efficiently use all your items! Don't be carrying a TQ, like one person suggested in the comment, and not know how to use it, or worse, incorrectly use it and end up having to amputate the extremity due to improper use or whatnot.
I will add another for the ladies: a little plastic tub with a lid that you can pee in. Think you don't need this? I had friends stranded on frozen highways for up to 18 hours in Atlanta a few years ago. It happens.
After my sister got stuck for 7 hours of traffic during Snowvember, I made her a similar kit (socks, emergency blanket, snacks, etc.). Only, I added a "travel potty" (jane with absorbent tube attached) for discreet urination when surrounded by cars. She was all, "Eww I will never ever use that thing!" But yeah, it stayed in the kit when she put the box in her car. Sure it's gross, but what's the option?
I skipped this to say what I usually say: If you can't survive with what you can carry, you won't survive. If your brain isn't your number one item in your survival kit, you're done. And if you can't tie good knots (and by that you know three types of bowline), please skip the flippin' paracord and just go with zipties.
I live in central Europe, so no need for all this survival stuff. But in winter, I always have a spare jacket, wool hat, socks and a blanket in the car.... you never know
For the 1st week of getting a car....... 'oh i'm gonna have all my stuff in the boot/trunk labelled..... and i'm only ever ever only put stuff in there that has a purpose. From the 7th week on though?....... anything and everything that can fit in a car boot is put in it.. even if you have to bend it against itself first. S**t... I once found wedding presents in my car boot to a wedding i'd already got divorced from. car boots are like that..... they'll swallow up s**t and throw it back out when it hurts.
Younger people might not know all this stuff and they do get a lot of their info from social media? We don't have to like that fact, but even very old things are frequently "news" to teenagers and young adults and social media is where they find them.
Load More Replies...its possible this woman doesn't get periods, not all do!
Load More Replies...
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