Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Bug Out Bag Supplies

Now in the last post I talked about all sorts of materials you might want to have in house in order to be prepared for a disaster, but I haven't yet talked in detail about one essential component of any disaster kit - the bug out bag.  But out bags are portable emergency kits designed so that you can grab one quickly and be as prepared as you can to survive for 72 hours on the move.
Keep or put the items you need in a backpack or other easy to carry container.  You'll want to have enough supplies for the whole family, so you may have multiple containers.  One technique that works well is to have a separate bug out bag for each family member.  If you choose to do that, you'll probably want to put an I.D. tag on each one.  You also might not be at your home when disaster or emergency strikes, so keep some additional supplies in your car and possibly even at work; be sure to consider what you would need for your immediate safety.
Finally, here is the list of items you will want in your bug out bag:

  • Some water and food
  • A small water purifier or materials to purify water
  • Flashlight
  • Battery operated radio
  • Batteries
  • Whistle
  • Pocket knife
  • Dust mask
  • Emergency cash (in small denominations, including quarters for phone calls)
  • Change of clothes
  • Sturdy shoes
  • Warm hat
  • Tooth brush and tooth paste
  • First aid supplies
  • Local map
  • Permanent marker, paper, and tape
  • Photos of family members and pets for re-identification purposes
  • List of emergency phone numbers, and even at least one point-of-contact number
  • List of allergies to any drugs (especially antibiotics) or foods
  • Copy of health insurance and identification cards
  • Extra prescription eye glasses, hearing aids, or other vital personal items
  • Prescription medications
  • Extra keys to your house and vehicle(s)
  • Any special needs items for children, seniors, or people with disabilities
  • Don't forget to get supplies for your pets!
Start making your bug out bag as soon as you can.  You should also check out the supplies and bug out bags available here and other supplies available at Emergency Bug Out Bags to make your packing and preparation as easy and convenient as possible.

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