A bug-out bag is a portable kit that contains the items one would require to survive for seventy two hours when evacuating from a disaster. It is also known as a 72-hour kit, a grab bag, a battle box, and other popular names include GO Bag and GOOD (Get Out Of Dodge) bag. The focus is on evacuation, rather than long-term survival, distinguishing the bug-out bag from a survival kit, a boating or aviation emergency kit, or a fixed-site disaster supplies kit. The kits are also popular in the survivalism subculture.
My guess is we have a higher precentage of people or housholds with “go bags “ up here than say Denver metro, not only because of our “independent” cluture, we don’t live in the city for a reason, but also from lessons learned during the various fires.
If you have one, what’s in it? When was the last time you checked and “refreshed” it? You know, new batteries, throw out the 5 year old power bar, replenish anything you might have” borrowed” from the bag.
You will need the following supplies when you leave your homes; put them all together in a duffle bag or large container in advance:
Flashlight with plenty of extra batteries
Battery-powered radio with extra batteries
First aid kit
Prescription medications in their original bottle, plus extra copies of the prescriptions
Eyeglasses (with a copy of the prescription)
Water (at least one gallon per person is recommended; more is better)
Foods that do not require refrigeration or cooking
Items that infants and elderly household members may require
Medical equipment and devices, such as dentures, crutches, prostheses, etc.
Change of clothes for each household member
Sleeping bag or bedroll and pillow for each household member
Checkbook, cash, and credit cards
Map of the area
Important papers to take with you:
Driver’s license or personal identification
Social Security Card
Proof of residence (deed or lease)
Insurance policies
Birth and marriage certificates
Stocks, bonds, and other negotiable certificates
Wills, deeds, and copies of recent tax returns
Remember Your Pets
Pets are not permitted in Red Cross shelters. Plan to take them to a friend’s or relative’s home or a hotel that accepts pets during times of emergency.
Remember to carry them in a sturdy carrier.
Have identification, collar, leash, and proof of vaccinations for all pets.
Have food and water for your pets.
Have a current photo of your pets in case they get lost.
Yes, but my wifes go bag is the best I've seen. She has a medium sized backpack stocked with food, water, first aid kit, additional warm clothes, emergency sleeping bag and so on. She works near I-25 and Lincoln, so we plan for about 2 to 3 days in event of EMP for her to get home. Also have mountain bike which can be riden or used as support for weight while walking.
"The problem with Socialism is that eventually you run out of other people's money." attributed to Margaret Thatcher
"A wise and frugal government, which shall leave men free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement, and shall not take from the mouth of labor the bread it has earned - this is the sum of good government." Thomas Jefferson
I have to admit, my "go bag" is not a fully stocked as it shoud be, I also would have to include my laptop bag as a second "go bag". How else would I update my status?
When I lived in Pine Grove, after being evacuated for the High Meadow and Hayman fires, we had a couple boxes packed with important pictures and papers and a pet carrier for the cats, next to the door ready to go at any time.
Not anymore. But, my truck is usually pretty well stocked with stuff I would need, and some of the important stuff that I took away for the Snaking fire evacuation never came back since they are safer where I stashed them back then.