BOB, "Bug Out Bag"

BOB, "Bug Out Bag"

This was just a backpack I got free using Coke rewards points. 

 You don't need a fancy expensive backpack. 

Also known as a 72-hour bag, this is one of those things that can really come in handy in so many different situations.  It certainly "can't hurt" to have one.  ....you know, in case of a hurricane, house fire, tornado, terrorist attack, the mother-in-law coming up the drive with a suitcase....  LOL  I don't have a mother-in-law, so I can say that.  ;)

Besides that, I figure, if you suddenly have to be hospitalized, It would be an easy thing for your loved ones to "just grab" for you, and you would have all your basic toiletries and such in there that you like to use.  ..although I suppose that might be a bit overkill with all the other stuff that would be in there.  lol  Of course, if you had a hunting knife or other weapon in there; you would want them to remove it. 

Now, some people may prefer to have things in there in case they have to rough it outdoors in a camping-type situation; and others may wish to just focus on if they have to suddenly relocate in a shelter-type situation in an urban area, or it could be for both scenarios. 

You should have copies of important documents and identification in your Bug Out Bag such as driver's license, I.D. cards, social security card, birth certificate, passport, and any other important papers you may need.  It's also a very good idea to include a labeled photo of each family member in case, for example, you get separated.  You can even include important medical records.

Keep in mind the climate of the area you live in and specific natural disasters or other scenarios that may happen in your specific area. 

Here is an article by American Prepper's Network about the different kind of emergency bags and why you may want to make them. (click here)

Here is a list of suggested items that can go in a Bug Out Bag:

Nonperishable food, energy bars, MREs, tuna, etc. (dehydrated foods are lightweight)

Water and water purification supplies.  They say at least 1 liter a day per person as a bare minimum.  If you can't boil water, you can use Tincture of Iodine, bleach, or other tablets you can buy:

Bleach - add 8 drops of unscented bleach per gallon and wait 30 minutes.

Tincture of Iodine - add 10 drops of tincture of iodine per gallon of water (20 if cloudy) and wait 30 minutes.

First aid kit/supplies - gauze, tape, Band-Aids, Neosporin, etc.  Over-the-counter medicines, including aspirin, Tylenol/Motrin, Imodium, Benadryl, etc.  Get an Epipen from your doctor if you have any severe allergies.  A bottle of multivitamins.  Even antibiotics would be nice to have. 

 (See my blog on buying antibiotics legally for emergency situations.)  (Click here.)

  

Sanitation/toiletries - baby wipes, bar soap, towel/washcloth, deodorant, liquid hand sanitizer, shampoo, toilet paper, toothbrush, toothpaste, feminine hygiene products, paper towels, tissues, garbage bags, etc. 

Storage bags (can never have too many plastic bags)

Pet food and supplies (don't forget Fido!)

Maps, disaster plan, evacuation routes 

Camping/cooking equipment

Fire starters, matches, lighters, magnesium stick, cotton balls with petroleum jelly, etc.

Extra clothing, gloves, hat, scarf, poncho, boots, etc.

Sleeping bag/blanket (mylar blanket)

Batteries, radio (battery or crank-operated)

Lighting, crank flashlight, glow sticks, solar lights, etc.

Cash and change

Weapons/ammunition

Duct tape, rope, paracord

Multi-tool, can opener

Cards, puzzles

Paper, pen, pencil

Safety pins, sewing needle, thread, extra buttons

Hand warmers

Survival manuals

Dust mask (preferably N95)

other outdoor supplies could include:

Knife, hatchet, folding shovel, saw, pocket chainsaw

Shelter, tarps/tent

Slingshot, pellet gun, wire, (learn to make animal traps)

Compass

Bug repellent 

Fish line, bobber, weights, hooks/lures

Signal mirror, flares

Whistle

Sun block, hat

Aluminum foil

Solar shower

Fire starters, candles, tea lites, lighters, water-proofed matches...  

I started a Fire Starter blog.  (Click here.)

Simple sewing kit... 

  

This is just a small bottle I did of odds and ends things that 

I thought could be used for many different situations. 

Eye bolt screws (hoisting up a tarp), bobby pins, toothpicks, 

rubber bands, paperclips, safety pins...

  

I thought it might be a nice idea to put a couple seeds (heirloom) of different kinds in my bug out bag as an extra little stash.  I wanted to still label them but not have to use little bags or something for just a couple of a lot of different kinds of seeds.  Then, I remembered seeing a tip on Pinterest how you can make seed strips for planting using newspaper strips and Elmer's glue, so I used that idea.  :)  You can still write what they are on the strips.  I'll roll them up and put them in a little bag.  Just rip it into sections when you want to use them and plant them with the paper.  

Add anything you like.  

It's also a good idea to have an emergency car kit in your car at all times, specially if you live in an area with cold winters.  Blanket, snacks, water, gloves, winter hat, boots, first-aid kit, flashlight, batteries, etc.  An alcohol stoves would be good to help keep warm and easy to store.  I did a couple blogs on those. (Click here.) 

Tidbit - there are web sites that show you how to make paracord bracelets or belts.  You wear it and then take it apart if you need it.  Here is one...  (Click here.)

Thanks for checking out my blog.  :)

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