After a natural disaster, you often hear people talking about having a “bug out bag”, but what is it and why do you need one? Having a bug out bag in our home or vehicle could mean the difference between life and death during an emergency.
A bug out bag is a portable emergency kit that’s designed to last you for three days. These are also referred to as 72 hour emergency kits. They need to be portable and have all the things you need to survive during a disaster.
What should your bug out bag contain? What you actually pack in your survival kit will have to do with your own needs as well as where you live. For example, if you live in area where hurricanes are common, you’ll need supplies related to surviving a hurricane.
But if you’re in an area that is more likely to be dry, you’ll want to have a different set of items. In general, though, you’ll want to have a first aid kit, a three day supply of food that doesn’t require real cooking, and a change of clothing.
It’s also a good idea to have a system for shelter, a bedroll, light sources, and tools to help you start a fire, stay dry and warm. It’s also important to have supplies for any personal needs. For example if you have small children, you may need diapers and baby wipes, toys to keep kids occupied, and children’s medications.
When would you use a bug out bag? There are many situations that might warrant the use of an emergency kit. For example, you might have a gas leak in your home or a fire requiring you to leave it. You could also need to evacuate due to flooding or another natural disaster.
And, unfortunately, it’s important to plan for instances such as terrorist attacks, nuclear disasters, or chemical spills that may require you to leave your home and find alternate shelter. Your kit won’t be designed to take care of long-term changes, but it will give you time to seek something more permanent if needed.
A bug out bag needs to be easy to grab and go. Most people purchase a back pack for their bug out bag because it’s easy to carry and allows you to have your hands free. Even small children can carry their own bug out bag that has essentials.
When you have a 72 hour emergency kit, you’ll be able to have peace of mind knowing you’re better prepared for a disaster. Having a bug out bag for each member of your family will protect you during an emergency that requires evacuation.
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