Setting Up Your Mobile Command Center - Lesson 2 - Essential Safety Equipment
Despite our best efforts to maintain our vehicles, emergencies can happen. Since vehicles vary in size and storage capacity, how you set up and organize your mobile command center will be highly individualized. A pickup truck can accommodate more robust emergency and life-saving equipment than a small sedan, but regardless of your vehicle type, the following equipment should be a staple in every means of transportation.
Personal Protective Gear
A reflective vest should be readily available to increase visibility and keep you safe while working on your vehicle or assisting others. Additionally, gloves, rain jacket, safety glasses, and a dust mask provide essential protection in various roadside situations, from changing a tire to handling debris.
Emergency Lighting & Signaling
Having proper lighting and signaling equipment can make a major difference in safety during roadside emergencies.
Rechargeable LED Disc Road Flares – These should be placed approximately 100 feet from your vehicle to give oncoming traffic early warning. Avoid traditional road flares, as they can pose a fire risk, especially in dry regions.
Work Light – A reliable, rechargeable work light is essential for nighttime repairs. The Milwaukee M18 work lights are excellent choices because they are durable, bright, and compatible with other essential gear, including an air compressor and impact gun. They also feature USB ports to charge devices like phones and radios.
Headlamp – Keeping both hands free is crucial for effective vehicle repairs in low-light situations.
Flashlight – A reliable flashlight is non-negotiable. For an in-depth breakdown of flashlights, click here.
VS-17 Panel Marker – This highly visible fabric panel, typically in bright orange or pink, is used by military and emergency services to signal for help. It can mark your vehicle, be used as a makeshift stretcher, or serve as a quick shelter.
Chemlights (Glow Sticks) – These long-lasting, battery-free lights provide up to 12 hours of illumination, making them ideal for signaling, marking locations, or use during a power outage.
Air Horn- An air horn is a compact, high-decibel signaling device that emits a loud, attention-grabbing sound, making it an essential addition to your vehicle's mobile command center for emergency alerts and deterring potential threats.
Battery & Power Solutions
A dead battery can leave you stranded, so it's crucial to have the right gear.
Jumper Cables – Ensure they are long enough to reach difficult spots.
Jump Starter Booster Pack – If no one is around to assist, a portable jump starter can get your vehicle running. Choose one with enough power for your engine size.
Power Bank or Charging Block – A small but powerful battery pack can keep your phone and other essential devices charged.
Small Solar Generator with Recharging Panels Having a compact solar generator as part of your mobile command center provides a reliable, renewable power source when you're away from home or the grid is down. Paired with foldable solar panels, these systems can recharge essential devices like phones, radios, GPS units, flashlights, and even laptops—helping you stay connected, informed, and operational during emergencies. Unlike gas-powered generators, solar options are silent, safe to use indoors or in vehicles, and require no fuel, making them ideal for long-term readiness on the move.
Tire Repair & Inflation
Most vehicles come equipped with a jack, lug nut wrench, and a spare tire, which may be full-size or a compact temporary spare (donut). Both types are designed to help you reach your destination safely, but using the standard equipment can be difficult, especially on the side of a busy highway.
If you purchased a used vehicle, it's crucial to verify the presence and functionality of the jack, spare tire, and lug wrench, as many vehicles have them removed by previous owners.
A portable air compressor is an excellent addition to keep in your vehicle. It allows you to inflate a low tire and get to a safe location before complete deflation occurs. The Milwaukee tire inflator is a great choice because it runs on the same M18 battery system as their work lights and impact gun, making it an efficient multi-use tool.
A tire plug kit can provide a quick, temporary fix for small punctures, allowing you to drive to a repair shop rather than waiting for roadside assistance.
If you have the space, a floor jack will be a lifesaver when changing a tire. Unlike the small, factory-issued scissor jack, a floor jack provides greater stability, easier operation, and faster lifting, making tire changes safer and more efficient. Tire blocks (wheel chocks) should also be used when jacking up a vehicle to prevent rolling and increase stability on uneven ground.
If space allows, an impact gun with impact sockets is another excellent upgrade for quick and easy lug nut removal, reducing the physical effort and time required for a tire change, especially in inclement weather or high-traffic conditions.
A 4-way heavy-duty lug wrench offers multiple socket sizes in a single cross-shaped tool, giving you better leverage and torque from multiple angles. It’s durable, reliable, and ideal for quickly loosening or tightening lug nuts, especially when factory tire irons fall short. For those tight on space or looking for extra torque, an extendable lug wrench tire iron is a great option. The model linked here on Amazon It features a telescoping handle that extends to increase leverage, making it much easier to break loose stubborn lug nuts. It typically comes with multiple socket sizes and folds down for compact storage, perfect for keeping in your vehicle's roadside kit.
Additionally, most wheels can be driven at a very slow pace for about 50 miles without damaging the rim, even with a flat tire. However, if you notice a tire losing pressure, inflating it as soon as possible is critical to prevent further damage.
Vehicle Escape Tools
Glass Breaker & Seatbelt Cutter- These should be secured within easy reach, like on a visor, center console, or door pocket. They come in various mounting options, so choose what works best for your setup.
Escape Hammer – A larger option that can also be used as a defensive tool if needed.
Additional Tools
If space allows, additional tools can be invaluable in emergencies.
Shovel – A compact, foldable shovel is useful for digging out of mud or snow.
Ice Scraper - Depending on your environment and time of year you may need one.
Crowbar or Pry Tool – For forced entry or breaking through debris in an emergency.
Hand Tools – A basic tool kit with screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, and a multi-tool covers a variety of roadside repairs.
Camping Axe or Hatchet – Helpful for cutting branches, breaking ice, or self-defense if needed.
A compact Fire Extinguisher -- To quickly address small fires and prevent them from escalating during emergencies.
Duct Tape, Paracord, and Wire Ties – These versatile items can be used for quick repairs, securing gear, or even improvising medical solutions.
Bungee Cords - Are stretchable elastic cords with hooks on each end, ideal for quickly securing loose items, tarps, or gear in your vehicle or on a roof rack.
Ratcheting straps -Are heavy-duty tie-downs equipped with a ratcheting mechanism that allows you to tighten and lock the strap in place, making them perfect for securing heavy or bulky loads during transport. They offer superior holding power and stability compared to bungee cords, especially when hauling items on a roof rack, trailer, or truck bed.
A tow strap -Is a strong, flat nylon or polyester strap designed to recover or tow disabled vehicles. It typically features reinforced loops or metal hooks on each end and is essential for pulling a stuck or broken-down vehicle out of mud, snow, or off-road terrain.
Navigation & Communication
Paper Maps & GPS Device – If cell service is lost or your phone dies, having physical maps or a dedicated GPS unit is crucial.
Emergency Radio (NOAA or HAM) – A battery-powered NOAA weather radio or a GMRS/HAM radio ensures you stay informed and connected.
Garmin inReach Mini 2 provides reliable two-way satellite communication, GPS tracking, and SOS functionality when you're off the grid and out of cell range.
Rapid Radio are encrypted push-to-talk communication devices that use cellular or Wi-Fi networks to provide instant, secure voice communication with nationwide coverage.
WeBoost Cell Signal Booster – A WeBoost system enhances cell reception in low-service areas by amplifying weak signals. This is a great option for maintaining connectivity in rural areas, off-grid locations, or during emergency situations where cell networks are strained.
Starlink Satellite Internet – Starlink provides satellite-based internet access, making it an ideal backup communication tool when traveling through areas with no traditional cell service. It ensures you can stay connected even in remote locations where other internet options are unavailable.
Medical & First Aid
A well-stocked first aid kit is a must-have for minor and major emergencies.
Basic First Aid Kit – Should include bandages, gauze, tape, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, and pain relievers.
Personal Medications – Always carry any prescription medications you may need.
Tourniquet & Trauma Kit – A proper trauma kit with a tourniquet can be life-saving in a severe injury scenario.
Headrest Emergency Deployment Rig (HEDR) Trauma Kit – A purpose-built trauma kit designed for quick access in a vehicle. I personally carry two Dark Angel Medical Headrest Kits in my truck for immediate access.
Fuel
Spare Fuel and Safe Fuel Storage: Having a spare fuel tank can be a crucial necessity in emergency situations. If the power is out, gas stations will be unable to pump fuel, leaving you stranded if you don't have a backup supply. The method of storing spare fuel will depend on your vehicle's design and available space.
When storing fuel, it is essential to use containers specifically designed for fuel storage to prevent leaks and ensure safety. Rotopax containers are a reliable option, as they are robust and come with various mounting options to fit different vehicles.
Always make sure the fuel containers are properly sealed and stored away from direct sunlight and sources of heat to prevent any potential hazards. Additionally, regularly check the condition of your spare fuel and containers to ensure they are in good condition and ready to use when needed.
For some, keeping your vehicle stocked with all this gear may seem excessive or impractical. No one ever wakes up thinking, “Oh great, I have a dead battery! I can’t wait to use my jumper cables!” The reality is, when you find yourself on the side of a busy highway needing a floor jack to change a tire on your pickup truck, you’ll wish you had one, along with all the necessary safety equipment. Having your vehicle properly equipped isn’t just about convenience; it’s about peace of mind, especially if you ever need to leave home in a hurry.
Along with keeping your Mobile Command Center ready to roll, make sure your bug-out bag/box is packed and staged for quick access. For a detailed breakdown of what should be “go-ready,” check out our section on Go Bags and Emergency Bug-Out Bags.
