Make a Reliable Bug out Bag in case of Emergencies

Courtesy of koalazymonkey

Bug out Bag 101

I am not going to treat this subject lightly in case of scaring anyone by the harsh reality of emergencies. On this subject I would rather save your life than entertain you, so if you are still with me let's have a go at the what where and how of Bug out Bags. aka BOB bags, GTFO bags, TSHTF bags, Ditch bags, GOOD bags (Get out of Dodge), and 72 hour kits.

The primary purpose of the well stocked bags are for situations in which you are forced to leave your home, into unknown territory, be it a run to the hills and hide in the forest or sleep in a community red cross tent for a few days.

It is not a survival bag intended for long term (2 weeks) or more, but rather to take care of yourself and your family for the FEMA recommended 72 hours until government programs and city infrastructure can reach you for help.

Personally, I would pack the thing with enough Emergency Food Supply to last at least 7 days, as so many Katrina survivors are advocating now.

Courtesy of @bdthomas

Here is the real deal; If your Bug out Bag needs to be opened you are in more trouble than you can possibly imagine.

Here's the thing, if there are panicked people looting in the streets and raiding the grocery store shelves, they are feeling that way because there is a threat probably larger than becoming a little hungry. And unless you have superhuman capabilities, (and no small children in tow), your first and best line of defense is your brain and acting much earlier than everybody else.

In other words, if you wouldn't make it in a shoot out for three months up in the woods with your BOB, my first recommendation is that you pay daily attention to the state of your city and country and make plans to leave, yes I mean GET OUT OF DODGE early on.

Get the i phone app for over 900 Emergency and Police radio frequencies. You can set it according to how many miles away you want to monitor. Get an NOAA weather/emergency radio while you are at it.

Just remember to be quicker and more proactive than 99% of your human peers and don't be afraid to look silly if you leave 3 days early and the threat wasn't real or wasn't too bad and blew over.

Hurricane Katrina was real, so was the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, and so was the earthquake in Haiti.

Courtesy of Mat Homan

Getting out of a highly populated area very early on is key to your survival. If you have waited until it's bug out bag time, I would expect you are in for more than you bargained for.

At risk of sounding hyped up on caffeine and losing it, I would say you should consider the possibility of leaving not just your city but your country if the threat is up there with Hitler.

Canada is nearby and they speak English, but Montevideo and Switzerland are wonderful options too if you can get a flight out before all h'll breaks loose. Get a flight app for your phone and practice "booking" flights quickly.

All that said, I promised to show you how to make a great Bug out Bag, and here it is. Common sense dictates you tailor the bag to the age and needs of it's recipient.

Courtesy of @bdthomas

Since this is a family website this list is assuming there are more than one of you in your family, often with children to pack for. This list is built with the family combined approach, rather than a bug out bag for a lone survivor.

You can buy an off the shelf bag or make your own. Food, water and warmth are paramount considerations. This will make up your families basic kit:

*Water, for drinking and clean up, one gallon per person each day.

*Food, sufficient calories for each person for at least 3 days, preferably more. Canned goods, MRE's and Dehydrated meals and calorie bars are good choices to pack.

*Infant formula and a bottle if you have a baby, regardless of nursing status. Mother and baby could become separated or Mother ill or injured and unable to nurse.

*Can opener.

*NOAA Weather radio with tone alert, another battery radio and extra batteries for each.

*First Aid Kit

*Plastic sheeting and duct tape, in case you must take cover in place.

*A whistle to alert for help.

*Garbage bags-rainwater collection and sanitation.

*Wet towelettes for sanitation

*Pliers to shut down utilities-gas leaks

Here are items to place in another family Bug out Bag:

*Paper plates, cups, plastic utensils. Mess kits assume adequate water for washing, which may not be available.

*Paper towels, toilet paper, diapers and feminine hygiene items as needed.

*Pencil and paper

*Cash and change

*Fire extinguisher

*Tent

*Matches in a waterproof container, preferably two

*Compass

*Hatchet

*Swiss Army Knife

*Firearm and ammunition

*Flares

*Chlorine bleach, not scented, added cleaners or color safe varieties. You can treat water for drinking safety at 16 drops bleach to one gallon of water. For disinfectant use dilute at 9 parts water to 1 part bleach.

*Eye dropper

*Important medications if indicated

*Ibuprofen

*Fully charged smart cell phone- unknown if service will be available.

*ID and important documents in a gallon Ziplock bag.

Bedding and Clothing

Consider the average temperatures day and night, assuming you are outside, in your area and customize as needed.

*Warm jacket with hood

*Hat and Gloves

*Wool socks

*Slim instant heat packs for feet and pockets if cold climate

*Long pants

*Waterproof pants and rain jacket or poncho

*Sturdy boots

*Warm rated Sleeping bags, no cotton

*Small games and favorite comfort items for children

Let's hope we never have to use these, but isn't it a great feeling to know you have prepared? Good work!

Courtesy of Ross

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