A bug out bag (BOB) is a portable kit that contains the items one would need to survive for at least 72 hours when evacuating.

 

First and foremost, if you can stay at home, do so.  Home is your haven, is safe and secure, AND has most of your supplies for long-term preparedness. Shelter in place is the #1 way to keep you, with your family safe.  

 

If you have to leave your home due to disaster, here are the suggestions for your bug out bag.

The primary purpose of a bug out bag is to enable an individual to quickly and efficiently “bug out” (leave) their current location in the event of an emergency.

Key Characteristics of a Bug Out Bag:

1. Portability: The bag should be easy to carry, usually in the form of a backpack, so you can move quickly and hands-free.

2. Self-Sufficiency: The contents are designed to provide for basic needs without external support.

3. Versatility: Prepared for a range of scenarios including natural disasters, civil unrest, or other emergencies.

 

Typical Contents of a Bug Out Bag:

– Water:*Bottled water and purification methods like tablets or a filter.

– Food: Non-perishable items such as energy bars, canned goods, and ready-to-eat meals.

– Clothing: Extra sets of clothes, including weather-appropriate gear.

– Shelter: Portable tents, tarps, or emergency blankets.

– First Aid: A comprehensive first aid kit with medications.

– Tools: Multi-tool, flashlight, batteries, fire-starting tools, and duct tape.

– Navigation: Maps, compass, and a GPS device if available.

– Communication: Battery-powered radio and a fully charged mobile phone with a charger.

– Personal Items: Important documents, cash, and any necessary prescription medications.

– Miscellaneous: Items like hygiene products, spare keys, and anything specific to personal needs (e.g., glasses, baby supplies).

Why Have a Bug Out Bag?

– Preparedness: Ensures you have necessary supplies to sustain yourself during the initial phase of an emergency.

– Mobility: Allows for quick evacuation without the need to gather supplies last minute.

– Peace of Mind: Knowing you have essential items ready can reduce panic and improve decision-making in stressful situations.

A bug out bag is a critical component of emergency preparedness, offering security and readiness when every second counts. 

A well-prepared bug out bag is essential for ensuring the safety and well-being of the head of household during a disaster.

Here’s a comprehensive list of items to include:

Essentials:

1. Identification & Documents:

– Copies of personal identification (driver’s license, passport)

– Insurance policies

– Emergency contacts

– Cash and credit cards

2. Water & Hydration:

– Water bottles (at least 1 gallon per day per person)

– Water purification tablets or a portable water filter

3. Food & Nutrition:

– Non-perishable food items (energy bars, dried fruits, nuts, canned goods)

– Can opener (if you have canned goods)

– Multivitamins

4. Clothing & Personal Items:

– Change of clothes (including socks and underwear)

– Sturdy shoes or boots

– Weather-appropriate clothing (jacket, hat, gloves)

– Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, hand sanitizer, feminine hygiene products)

5. Shelter & Warmth:

– Lightweight tent or emergency shelter

– Sleeping bag or emergency blanket

– Tarp and paracord

– Rain poncho

6. Tools & Equipment:

– Multi-tool or Swiss Army knife

– Duct tape

– Small sewing kit

– Flashlight with extra batteries

– Headlamp

– Fire starter (matches, lighter, fire steel)

– Whistle (for signaling)

7. First Aid & Medical Supplies:

– Comprehensive first aid kit

– Prescription medications (at least a 7-day supply)

– Over-the-counter medications (pain relievers, anti-diarrheal, antihistamines)

– Emergency contact card with family members’ medical information

8. Communication & Navigation:

– Battery-powered or hand-crank radio

– Extra batteries

– Mobile phone with charger (consider a solar charger)

– Local maps

– Compass

9. Self-Defense & Protection:

– Personal protection items (pepper spray, personal alarm)

10. Miscellaneous:

– Notepad and pen/pencil

– Spare keys (house, car)

– Small games or books (to keep spirits up)

– Sunglasses and sunscreen

Additional Considerations:

– Special Needs: If there are specific medical or dietary needs, pack accordingly.

– Pets: If you have pets, consider their needs too (food, water, medications, etc.).

– Family: Ensure each family member has a bag with similar essentials, customized to their needs.

Maintenance Tips:

– Regular Checks: Review and update the contents of your bug out bag every 6 months.

– Expiration Dates: Replace any items that have expired or are nearing their expiration dates.

Having a well-prepared bug out bag ensures that you can handle emergencies with confidence and have all necessary supplies at your fingertips. Stay safe and prepared!

 

Don’t forget, you can find all of our checklists HERE, in Prep2Survive HUB for absolutely free.