Are you ready to make your own bug out bag? What is that, you say! It is an emergency bag that has everything in it should you have to leave your home suddenly. Nowadays, you need to be prepared at all times. Think of the hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, floods and forest fires that we hear about each day around the world. The weather these days seems to be a little more crazy than it used to be.
So, you should think what you will need to take with you should you have to leave your home at a moments notice?
Years ago, there were Civil Defense shelters that were equipped with basic materials to support a specified number of occupants. Now, all you can reasonably expect is a large room with no supplies for you and little more than floor space. Also, there is not enough money or storage space to stock and maintain all the disaster shelters that could possibly exist in the country.
What this means to you is that it is up to you to be prepared! Here are some of the things you should have in your bug out bag:
- Water for 3 days;
- Food for 3 days;
- A sleeping bag or blankets and air mattress;
- A rain coat;
- Soap and towels;.
- First aid kit;
- Flashlight;
- Battery operated radio or portable TV;
- Your cell phone;
- Knife
- Matches or a lighter; and
- Food for your pets if allowed at the shelter.
Now that you have the basic materials for your emergency bag, gather all the stuff and place it in a pile. How much space do your supplies take up? This will give you a size estimate.
Now what should you put your emergency supplies in? You can automatically rule out suitcases, cardboard boxes or any type of bulk containers for your emergency bag. Do not use a plastic garbage bag as this can be easily confused with trash and left behind.radio strap
You could use a parachute bag. It is a canvas material with carrying straps and hooks for a shoulder strap to make it easier to carry.
The sleeping bags would be kept in a separate bag with the air mattress. Remember this is material to be used at the temporary emergency shelter.
There will also be additional bags for each family member containing items specific to the individual. Clothes, underwear, prescriptions, toiletries, etc. can be packed at the last second as needed. Large gym bags are great to use. Get a different color for each family member.
This is just to get your started putting your bug out bag together.