I find having some extra kid clothes, and even extra adult/grandma sweatshirts or sweaters in the car for just ordinary emergencies (like you drove to the beach to cool off, and it was cooler than expected there, after the “Hot town, summer in the city…”). Even on a picnic or outing to the park, the weather or the mosquitos may make you wish for long sleeves. And if a teen has an embarrassment, she can tie one on her waist.
In fact, since I don’t have bowel and bladder control, I keep an extra set of clothes (and incontinence supplies) in the car anyway. Things happen.
A change of clothes is recommended for your emergency Grab & Go bag, and/or 72 hour emergency supplies. Ideally each family member would have a backpack packed to go, with something to put on if needed.
Simplest is just to put in a T-shirt & shorts–general sizes that can work for a range of people. Socks and underwear preferable. Socks can protect either feet or hands.
Try to include sweatshirt or jacket, rain poncho (or use a mylar blanket or large garbage bag–these don’t take up much space or weight), stocking cap for warmth & bucket hat vs sun, gloves or mittens. If possible, sweat pants.
A neckerchief or cloth diaper is very versatile: wear it around the neck against cold, wetted to wear in heat; it can be used for 1st Aid as a bandage or to make a splint, as a water filter . . . it can substitute for a hat or a way to control or cover hair; use as a washcloth or towel, a mask to breathe through, a diaper . . . whatever!
Under or by the bed, if possible in the car, a pair of work or hiking boots protect from all kinds of hazards, such as broken glass or other construction materials, and rough terrain. Even a pair of flip flops for each person would be better than nothing, don’t cost much, and don’t take up a lot of space–though they are not much foot protection, they could save your sole from hot pavement, or your face from a No Shirt/No Shoes/No Service policy when the kids jumped in the car to go somewhere, but forgot about the shoe rule (it’s happened!), and when you head to the public pool and need footwear in the shower/restroom/dressing area. Flip flops can slow down a tack, or dry grasses, but are not much help in stickers, which reach around to scratch and grab.
Likewise, a pair of heavy duty gloves can protect hands from overheated radiator caps, icy windshields or other car parts, etc. Of course your 1st Aid kit should include latex exam gloves (or similar). A large wool sweater in the car could be a life saver.
Often cars now days have a convenient place for sun glasses, and glass cases don’t take up too much space in a Grab & Go kit. You could include a pair of goggles for rain or winter weather, if you can find room to stash them.
Just a few ideas to get you thinking . . . and that’s a wrap.
Emergency Prep--some ideas and options 