The above posts have a wealth of information in them. Really. I am not just blowing smoke. I, being an Emergency Dept. physician with 20 years' experience, have considered carefully what I carry in my cars, and have been apalled at what most people DON'T carry.
I was reminded of some very old training when I read about the entrenching tools; well, actually, I guess you don't call them that anymore *blush*, but remember, they are superior for defense over any knife in a number of highly trained peoples' opinions.
Plus, it is a lot easier to dig a hole with one.
As to whether you should have a certain knife or knives in a car, or carry them with you each time you get in (I have in mind the poster who expressed concern over losing a knife if a car were to be stolen); I have this to say. I believe in the fail-safe principle: if the plan fails you are safe. Therefore, I certainly do carry several knives in each cars, mostly SAK's (NOT Chinese) and folders, and multitools.
In addition, I carry several knives on my person (at least two folders and a fixed blade- the Pygmy ATAK2), but if for some reason I get into the car without them, I am still covered. I would have to use the 'J' bar to pry with, instead of the pATAK2, but I would be OK.
Other items, although not knives, are essential. A cell phone, fire extinguisher, water, food, warm clothing, butane lighter, flares, first aid kit are all essential.
One other item, often overlooked: leather gloves, and latex gloves. The latter are obvious, but the former few people think of. However, with any natural disaster, there is going to be debris, some of it sharp, scattered around. Get and carry some heavy leather gloves.
BTW; I have some xenon lamps for the MagLites many of you mentioned above. These are made by Carley Lamps, and are rarely, if ever, seen in stores. They provide 30-50% more light than the krypton filled lamps (Magnum Star, etc.) that are available. This increased light is due to increased efficiency, so the amperage, and therefore battery life, is barely changed.
I will be glad to send them to any poster who wishes a few for free. I hate playing secretary, however, so send me a suitably padded mailing envelope or package, pre addressed and postage prepaid. I will send the lamps to you. You can order directly from Carley, if you wish, but they have a $50 minimum order. You can check out the statistics about the xenon lamps for yourself at the Carley Lamp Website:
http://www.carleylamps.com/star.htm#Kyrypton%20Rechargeable%20Batteries
My snail mail addy is: Walt Welch / 370 South Ave./ Alamo / CA / 94507-2163.
e-mail: dr_play_time@msn.com
Hope this helps. Walt
