The founder of the Boy Scouts Robert Baden-Powell first published the motto Be Prepared in the 1908 handbook Scouting for Boys. He explained that meant always being in a state of readiness in your mind and body to do your duty. Having the right tool is the next step. Do you have a bug-out bag?
A bug-out bag is a survival kit that would enable a person to survive for up to 72 hours in the event of an emergency caused by a natural disaster. It is focused on a short-term survival situation or emergency evacuation. It may also be used to bug in or shelter in place when necessary.
Below we will look at the essential items needed for a bug-out bag.
What is a Bug-Out Bag?
A bug-out bag also known as a disaster bag, personal emergency relocation kit (PERK), or quick run bag (QRB), are 72-hour survival kits that are used in the event there is an evacuation, or a natural disaster such as a hurricane, flood, or earthquake. The purpose of these kits is quick short-term evacuation rather than long-term survival.
The term bug-out is derived from the Korean War practice by the US Army needing to retreat quickly. They would be directed to bug out if their position was imminent to be overrun. Its use has continued by military institutions as part of the withdrawal procedures to include a location, method to withdraw, and the necessary supplies needed to facilitate the withdrawal.
The term bug-out bag was then passed on to other civilians and law enforcement personnel as the term for the equipment needed when going into or escaping an emergency situation.
The main focus of a bug-out bag is short-term survival should a disaster or evacuation be needed. The bug-out bag gathers all the necessary supplies that would be needed in those events. The 72-hour survival timeframe is taken from the disaster relief and management response time window to reach affected people after a natural disaster or other events.
What to Put in a Bug-Out Bag?
The contents of a bug-out bag will vary according to the needs of the person needing it to evacuate and the region they are in. Bug-out bags will have different supplies when evacuating the path of a hurricane when compared to one designed to be used in the event of an avalanche or other blizzard-type snow events.
Bug-out bags can also be used in case of a shelter-in-place situation due to a blackout, fire, or other natural disasters.
What Items Should be in a Bug-Out Bag?
There are several options for bug-out bags online but beware that they may not meet the needs of your family or your geographical location. Below are a few guidelines to go by when purchasing or preparing a bug-out bag for yourself and your family.
Stick to the Essentials
Bug-out bags are for short-term survival, not long-term situations. Keep the items simple and reliable that will cover your immediate needs.
Portability
Your bug-out bag should be small enough that you will be able to carry it in the event you need to walk or hike long distances. If it is not portable, it can hamper your escape or worst case be left behind when you evacuate.
Remember Short Term
Planning for too long of a period will cause the bug-out bag to become too heavy. Avoid this by sticking to the 72-hour window and cutting the long-term essentials.
Versatility Counts
Avoid packing single-use items unless they are vital. Supplies that can be used for a variety of tasks will provide the most use and help you keep the lightweight and portability you need when on the move.
Bug-Out Bag Essentials
Below are some essentials that you will need in your bug-out bag. You may need to adjust the items of your bug-out bag to fit your family’s needs or due to the weather conditions of the area you are located in.
- Water
One gallon per person per day is recommended for a survival situation.
- Food
A minimum three-day supply of food is necessary for any survival situation
- Medicine or Other medical needs.
If you or any of your family members have special medical needs those must be addressed when preparing your bug-out bag.
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio weather radio
- Flash Light
- First Aid Kit
- Plastic Sheeting and Duct Tape
- Local maps
- Essential Hand Tools
- Hand-operated can opener
- Compass
- Rope or cord
- Firestarter
Conclusion
Preparing a bug-out bag for an emergency event will enable you and your family to have the essentials in the event of an evacuation. It will cover the basic equipment needed to survive a short-term event for up to 72 hours.
Your bug-out bag should be small, portable, and most importantly ready to go at a moment’s notice.