A bug out bag (also nicknamed a BOB) is a packed bag of some kind that is a portable back pack that is large enough to carry minimal bedding and some emergency supplies but light enough that it can be carried. Your survival stash is limited by the size of the bag and the size of the person carrying it. Try a brand that is made out of light aluminum and nylon. Each member of your family should have a bag and the family member should be able to hike with it for quite a distance.
Each bug out bag should contain –
- Bottled water
- Water filter
- Water purifier tablets
- Granola bars
- Dried fruit
- Jerky
- Dried nuts
- Hard candy
- Trail mix
- Pocket knife
- Can opener,
- Small eating utensils
- Most toilets
- Change of clothing
- Jacket or sweater
- Gloves
- Hat
- Extra socks
- Long underwear
- Extra pair of shoes
- Extra eyeglasses
- sunglasses
- Sleeping bag
- Duct tape
- Pepper spray, mace or a taser for personal protection
- Firearms
- Cell phone and charger
- Portable radio
- Compass
- Area maps,
- identification
- Whistle
- Plastic bags
- Cash and credit or debit cards
- Chemical hand warmers
- Small flashlight (wind-up)
- Candle
- Portable stove and fuel
- Disposable lighter
- First aid kit
- Charcoal capsules
- Tweezers
- Soap
- Towel
- Insect repellent
- Toothbrush
- Prescription and over-the-counter drugs taken
Keep these stocked bug out bags somewhere close to your door so they can be grabbed at short notice if need be. It is also a good idea to keep a set of them in your car in case a terrorist attack or earthquake strikes while you are at work. This way you can grab your loved ones and keep driving on to safety without having to go home first.
In the back of your car you should also have –
- Jumper cables
- Tire pressure gauge
- Fix-a-Flat
- Emergency distress sign and triangle
- Gasoline siphon
- Windshield scraper
- Towing strap’
- Folding shovel
- Work gloves
- Rag
- Spare tire
- Fire Extinguisher
It is also really good idea to keep extra water, jumper cables, tent poles, flags, emergency flags, flares, fix-a-flat kits and other things in the trunk of your car. Keep a First Aid Kit and extra blankets in your car as well. Thin thermal blankets can come in very handy in an emergency if there is a sudden drop in temperature or if someone needs warming because they are in shock.