You might have been hearing a lot about bug out bags lately. What is a bug out bag? A bug out bag is a bag that you have pre packed and ready to go. This bag should have everything you will need to survive for several days on your own. These bags are meant for emergencies when maybe you don’t have time to pack up the necessities, like if there is a major earthquake and you need to get out of your home quickly because of structural damage or if there are emergency evacuations. You don’t want to be put in a spot where you are scrambling around for things you are going to need and having to try to remember everything. Chances are if the emergency is large enough for you to need to leave quickly you’re not going to be in the right frame of mind to remember everything that you and your family need. Some basic essentials you should keep in your bug out bag are:
1. A change of clothes and a warm jacket for everyone
2. Water
3. Food i.e. trail mix or power bars anything that will keep well and be light to carry
4. Ponchos in case of rain
5. a small tent or tarp for shelter
6. Knife for cutting and repairing
7. Roadside flairs
8. First aid kit
9. A copy of all of your important documents i.e. marriage license, birth certificates, passport, and social security card. (In case the originals get damaged)
10. A map of your surrounding area, typically a Thomas guide is good but you also want a topographical map
11. Plenty or rope and parachute cord (this stuff always comes in handy)
12. Duct tape
13. If you wear glasses it’s a good idea to keep a spare pair in the bag
14. An extra pair of shoes and socks
Every bug out bag is very personalized to the needs of the owner so don’t be afraid to mix it up a bit and if something is very important to you add it. Also keep in mind your surroundings and modify your bag to them. One example is if you live close a lake put a small collapsible fishing pole in there. Be sure not to go to crazy with your bag though, this if for an extreme emergency and you need to be able to pick it up and carry it away with you and your family to keep that in mind and pack lightly.