BUG OUT OR GO BAG AND REASONS IT IS NEEDED
Why you should own a bug out or go bag?
Bug out bags give you all of the resources you need to survive for up to 72 hours if your access to power, food, and other necessities is cut off. This may be a circumstance that is hard to imagine, but there are plenty of crisis situations that can leave you without the ability to meet your basic needs.
In the event of a natural disaster or another type of emergency, you may find yourself unable to get to a grocery store, turn on the lights or the heat in your home, or get outside medical help. In these situations, you need to be able to stay afloat even in the midst of dire circumstances.
Owning a bug out bag can help you maintain your peace of mind when things go downhill. Even when you are in the midst of an emergency, you can have a clearer head and greater confidence knowing that you have supplies handy that can help you get through and protect the people you love. When you are underprepared in an emergency, it is easy to get overwhelmed and flounder in the midst of the chaos. When you have a bug out bag, you can quickly access items that can be a huge help.
What items should be in your bug out or go bags in no particular order?
1. Water/Water bottles and life straws
2. Non perishable items/Food
3. Sanitary and hygiene items:-antiseptic wipes, feminine pads/napkins, deodorant, toothbrush , toothpaste etc.
4. Medical /First aid Supplies:-instructions
5. Clothing
6. Firestarter
7. Flashlight
8. Paracord
9. Batteries
10. Compass
11. Important Documents
12. Multi-tool kit
13. Shelter and Bedding
14. Money
15. Emergency whistle
16. Knife
15. Games for kids to keep pre-ocuppied.
Below are some sites that will give more insight on items needed:-
https://unchartedsupplyco.com/blogs/news/bug-out-bag-checklist
https://bugoutbagacademy.com/free-bug-out-bag-list/
https://survivalstoic.com/bug-out-bag-list/
How to Build Bug out Bags for a Family 2021
Our 72 Hr - Bug Out Bags (Kid Edition)!
Common mistakes to avoid when packing your bug out or go bag
1. Packing Too Much Gear and Supplies:-Remember that the sole purpose of a Bug Out Bag is to help you reach your bug out location in one piece, not to sustain you forever or until things go back to normal.
2. Not Loading Enough Water:-Quick survival fact: a person can only last 3 days without drinking water. It goes without saying that you need to prepare enough water for an emergency. It should be the priority above anything else
3. Buying the Bag First:-If you get too carried away filling your bug out bag with stuff you won’t even use, you’ll end up with a bag you can hardly carry.
4. Purchasing a Bag That Stands Out:-You shouldn’t be too conspicuous to increase your chances of survival and that the best way to avoid getting mugged is to look and act like a gray man. That means staying under the radar and not carrying a backpack with striking colors.
5. Packing Sharp Objects Without Protective Covering:-Double-check that your knives are sheathed or have their edges wrapped to prevent injuries or ruining your Bug Out Bag and its other contents.
6. Failing to Include Bug Out Bag Repair Tools:-A sewing awl kit would be ideal for backpack repairs, but needles of various sizes and some thread will work fine, too. One way to protect your Bug Out Bag and survival gear is by waterproofing them
7. Forgetting Important Documents:- It’s best to keep these items in a sturdy folder or envelope and protect them with a waterproof bag before packing them in your Bug Out Bag. For backup, you can also make digital copies of these documents using a phone scanner.
8. Lacking Hands-On Training:-Since you’ll be depending on these pieces of equipment in a life-and-death situation, it’s only fitting to practice using the tools you’ll pack until you’re familiar with every one of them. Don’t forget to teach your kids, too, so you have an extra pair of hands in challenging situations.
9. Waiting for SHTF Before Packing:-Prepping your bug out bag shouldn’t be done at the last minute. Don’t make the mistake of waiting for a disaster or emergency to happen before you decide to start packing. As early as now, create a list of everything you need and gather them one by one while debris isn’t falling from your ceiling. Once you’ve collected all the tools and supplies on your list, put them in a bag and place your Bug Out Bag somewhere you can quickly locate when heading out.
