The Vaunted Bug-Out Bag
When I first learned about evacuation kits or bug out bags (BOB) it seemed like I’d have to fill back pack with camping gear and weapons. As if overnight I’d go from living in an apartment building in the middle of New York City to living off the land in the wilderness somewhere. It just wasn’t something I ever saw myself doing.
I did, however, start to think about things that I might actually need if I had to evacuate my apartment.
If the fire department knocked on your door in the middle of the night and informed you that you had 10 minutes to leave what would you grab?
If your first thought was where the hell would I go? That’s a good start. Thinking about where you and your family would go will help determine what you pack in your BOB. Would you go to a friend or relative’s place, or a hotel, or even a shelter?
Beyond some basic suggestions I can’t tell you what should go into you or your family’s BOB. I think it’s more useful to think about your own specific needs than to create a generic list. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation, a family with small children might need diapers and baby formula while a person who’s a diabetic might need to think about how to manage their medication.
I came up with a list of categories to think about along with some suggestions to get you started.
Money
Cash is king. Keep as much cash as you are comfortable with in your BOB. You might consider spreading it among the BOB of all of the adults in your household. I don’t think that money will suddenly stop being legal tender. Even while we were being attacked on September 11, I still needed money if I wanted to get on the train. You may also consider keeping copies of the front and back of your credit and debit cards.
Clothing
Pack a couple of comfortable pieces that you can layer. Two days worth is a good idea. Remember to pack something to sleep in and a few changes of underwear.
Food
Pack non-perishable snacks appropriate to your dietary needs: dried fruits, nuts, tuna packets, granola, peanut butter and crackers, water, pet food
Health/Hygiene
- Medication
- Glasses
- Tampons/Sanitary Napkins
- Toilet Paper
- Contact Lenses and Lens Care Kit
- Doctor’s Names and Phone Numbers
- Copy of Medical Insurance Card
- Toothbrush and Tooth Paste
- Soap
- Your Toiletries: Deodorant, lotion, etc
Documents
- Copies of your:
- Driver License
- Passport
- Marriage Certificate
- Kids Birth Certificates
- Insurance Policies
- Mortgage Papers
- Lease
- Important Phone Numbers and Addresses
Comfort
- Light weight rain poncho
- Mylar blanket
- Small Flash Light
- Extra set of house keys
- A familiar toy for your kid
- Important family pictures on a thumb drive
Don’t limit yourself to the examples I’ve given here. Think about you and your family’s needs and pack a bag for each member of your household. When you get to your place of safety you’ll be able to ride out the storm in relative comfort and you’ll be ready to resume your normal life when the situation changes with ease.
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