May 20 2008
The Bug Out Bag
By the time our third hurricane evacuation of 2004 came around, I was pretty fatigued by the whole experience.
After that fall, I started keeping a “bug out bag”. This is simply a bag you can grab quickly and easily that contains everything you need to be (relatively) comfortable for three days. It saves the time and stress of last-minute packing. And, if you have to get out in a hurry — think of the wild fires that have ravaged parts of both Florida and California in the past year, or the floods in the midwest — you can be sure that you have everything handy and in one place.
What should be in your bag?
Changes of clothes for every family member. If you are in a situation where you may get wet, pack clothes made of synthetic fibers, as they dry more quickly.
Hygiene kit with toothbrush, toothpaste, a wash cloth, soap, and baby wipes.
Medicines. If you have a prescription you take regularly, ask your doctor to write a scrip for an extra month’s supply to keep with your emergency supplies. Remember to rotate medicines so that you do not wind up with expired meds!
First aid kit.
Paper and pens.
Money. Cash in small denominations and a roll of quarters.
Plastic garbage bags for storing dirty or wet items.
Seventy-two hours worth of shelf stable foods that can be eaten without further preparation.
Water. Each person in your group needs one gallon per day for drinking and washing.
Flashlights. Have batteries stored separately, or buy a crank or squeeze flashlight that can work without batteries.
Radio.
Entertainment. I have a novel for me, and word searches and Sudoku for the kids.
There’s a fun little video here on what to stock:
6 Responses to “The Bug Out Bag”
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That BUGS ME… Living in Florida we need to BUG OUT every now and again. I love the posts video, and even joking you still brought some great points..
Chato B. Stewart
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You never know when you might need to run out. Great tips!
I *love* this post! This is such great advice, and I think everyone should have one of these bags! I’ll definitely be stopping by to read your blog often
Hey, have you ever thought about writing something on pet emergencies? Like what you should have ready for your pets if you have to evacuate quickly? I think that’d be a great topic, too!
I don’t live in an area that’s usually hit by natural disasters but I think that any home should have an easy to locate bag with some of these items in it because you never know when you might need to leave your home in a hurry and having these kind of supplies in one place ready to pick up will save a lot of stress.
Katie-Anne
I lived in FL for most of my life and had to run for cover a few times. One thing I would add is GAS, Have an extra can of gas if you can store it safely, (be sure to use that can in your car and refill the can every month or so)
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I actually have a bag packed and an emergency box as well. I may need to pack a little lighter. I think it’s an excellent idea, but my husband thought I was being kind of extreme. DO you suggest updtating the bag every change of season?