Hybrids are designed to fail safe. The exact method to fully safe the electrical system varies from model to model, but the manufacturers went hard core on making it safe for fire fighters.

In my car, I keep a semi-cheap 5" lockback, and a sharpened Spetnaz shovel. Definantly thinking I need to add an extinguisher.

Right now, I've also got a broadsword in the back, I keep meaning to bring it in, but given that the pommel is more than heavy enough to break glass, it's length, and the fact that is basically an overbuilt crowbar, I'm almost thinking it might stay there.

One of the most intensely stupid things I've seen (several times) are people with a 15-second extinguisher blast available to them, and they're spraying the FLAMES, instead of the source! Jeez!

Somewhat related, where can I find an RV size extinguisher other than paying the over high prices at an rv store?

Define "RV Sized"

I know the large car sized unit I carry is about 2x the size of most car units (2x as tall) and I got it at either the auto parts store or Home Depot - Costco also has units like that

RE Gloves - I have a pair in the pack - but I have to add a set to the cab of the truck - thanks for the reminder - I have a spare flashlight, a otterbox of CR123s, a compass, a fixed blade knife and some bug spray and a few other goodies in the door pocket - the FE is behind the rear seat, as in the Ammobox full of the first aid kit, plus my portable kit is usually in the back under the cap (along with way too much other stuff)

Funny joke
Monday night was "Visit your kids at camp" night, with a picnic dinner. My wife (Mary BTW) who was NOT going to be able to make it says "I left a blanket with their stuff for you" My first thought was "why, I have a larger, better one (both in quality and for the purpose) in the truck at all times." Sigh

Hope its secured down. That's one thing I would never want flying around my car in an accident.

Someday I bet this forum develops its own BOB, truckbed, and car trunk porn section :-) I do enjoy seeing how everyone lays out their preparedness.

I drive a Prius, it has a center console where I keep a pair of leather gloves, knives, and eye protection. there's also a seatbelt cutter in the glove compartment. I keep two pair of medical gloves and face masks in a side pocket driver side, and another on the passenger side. The separate trunk in the Prius is a hatchback, protected from throwing contents about by a retractable fabric screen - probably not terribly reliable, but at least I don't have to show off the entire trunk to every dickwipe who walks by and wants to smash and grab. My fire extinguisher is back there, so far not bolted down (can't find a good/great attachment, the one I had actually broke not too long ago). I need to get off my duff and find a secure metal strap, probably from the local fire suppression supply store.

there's alot of other stuff in my car but that's pretty far off topic. Point is, I use the leather gloves, medical gloves and eye protection pretty regularly (also the D Ritter brand $15 headlamp, which I have almost everywhere), so its fairly natural to get these out and whip them on while getting out of my car.

Almost forgot - for cutting seatbelts I can give a big thumbs up to the Benchmade rescue hook, http://www.thefirestore.com/store/category.cfm/cid_1347_seat_belt_cutters/. That's in my glove compartment. I've tried it in a training rescue and it was like slicing through butter. The training officer liked it too, almost walked away with it...

So, for the car/truck it seems like there is fair agreement on (re: emergency extrication):

* something to cut with (knife, belt cutter)
(I prefer a knife since you can cut smashed laminated glass if needed)
* gloves
* fire extinguisher
* something to break windows with (punch, crow bar, etc)
(I prefer a crow bar since not only can you smash, but you can pry -- stuck door, etc)

I'll add:

* flashlight

The suggestion for eye protection seems good as well.

And everything should be secured so it doesn't fly around in a crash.

Another thing is that I'd suggest your items be within reach considering you might be pinned in place in a crash.

-john

The one suggestion I have is try to include tools that are multipurpose. For example, I carry a full size axe in my car and have a wrecking bar in my wife's car. These tools work well for extracting people from car collisions and also work well for extracting people from buildings damaged during earthquakes.