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You think you’re prepared? Think again. We’ve talked to the top preparation experts—Kathy Cloninger, chief executive officer of Girl Scouts of the USA, and Melissa Kirsch, author of The Girl’s Guide to Absolutely Everything. Follow their tips and you can tackle just about anything.

• Moist towelettes
  No soap in that public bathroom? It was your turn in life to get pooped on by a bird? Enough said.
• Stain remover
  When your latte goes all over you before you even get to work, use a Tide to Go pen or Shout Wipes.
Related links:
• How to Survive Getting Lost in the Woods
• How to Protect Yourself From an Attacker (or Scary Dog)
• The Secret to Not Getting Lost
• Sunglasses
  You put on sunscreen, so remember to protect your eyes from UV rays, too.
• A cell phone
• A healthy snack
• Cash
• Three makeup essentials
  “Every woman has three things she can’t leave the house without as far as grooming goes,” Kirsch says. “For me it’s lipstick, blush, and an eyelash curler.”
• Adhesive bandages
  Cover cuts—and blisters from that new pair of shoes.
• Germ killer
• Gum or mints
  Good to have if you can’t brush and floss postlunch.
• A ponytail holder
  It’s sometimes necessary on those bad-hair days.
• A small umbrella
• A safety pin
  Attach it to the lining of your purse for emergencies.
• A safety device
  Get a loud whistle or some pepper spray.
• Pain reliever
  Carry ibuprofen for aches and aspirin for chewing in case of a heart attack.
• Feminine-hygiene products
• Emergency list of phone numbers and contacts
• Mini flashlight
• A multitool item
  Try the Swiss Army Rescue Tool ($90); it features the usual tweezers and bottle opener, plus a life-saving car-window-breaking tool, a seat belt cutter, and other cool stuff.

Next: 10 Reasons You Should Never Be Without Duct Tape