12 things you should keep in your car at all times in case of a disaster

It's wise to keep some sort of food or sustenance in your car in case of an emergency. Energy bars or various snacks will suffice, but those worried about emergencies where an immediate evacuation isn't available can opt for a Meal-Read-to-Eat or MRE. They are sealed, prepackaged meals prepared for the military and are designed to remain edible for years. They are even equipped with a flameless ration heater that allows you to heat up the meal without the use of fire. MREs are available at military surplus stores or online.

A flashlight with spare batteries is always good to have, especially if you're stranded at night.

For those in cold weather climates, keeping some extra warm clothes in your car can be a lifesaver if you're stranded.

If your car ever winds up in a body of water or in any case where you need to make a speedy exit, an emergency window breaker is good to have. As the name would suggest, the tool is designed to break open a car's window in an emergency. In many cases, the window breaker will also come with a blade that will quickly cut through your seatbelt.

A first aid kit is handly in an emergency situation. Cleaning up a wound before it gets infected increases your chances of survival.

When you're stranded, a hand-crank emergency radio will provide you with weather information without the need to turn on your car and waste gasoline. Many of these radios are powered by both a hand-crank and solar panels. They even have USB ports to help charge your phone.

You can also buy an emergency survival kit. Many of which come complete with a firestarter, mylar thermal blankets, a compass, tactical knife, and even reflective cones.

If your survival kit doesn't come with a reflective triangle, road cone, or road flares. Buy some. These tools alerts other motorists that you are stranded, reducing the likelihood of additional collisions.

A multi-tool or even a complete tool kit comes in handy if you need to make quick repairs to your car.

Always keep a set of jumper cables or even a battery operated electric jump starter in your car. Neither is particularly expensive and can get your back on the road again.

In cases where you have a flat tire, have a can of tire sealant like Fix-A-Flat will allow you to patch small holes while an electric air pump will put enough air back into the tire to get your going again.