A "bug out" is slang for getting out of an area or situation in an
emergency. A bug out bag is a ready to go bag that you have pre-packed for
those kinds of emergencies where you are forced to leave your home and survive
for a couple of days. So what do you need?
Power source: Batteries are what typically come to mind. To
bower flash lights, radios, and other gear batteries may be required. So if you
are to bring any objects that require a battery source, pack the appropriate
ones. Try and keep the batteries you need uniform if possible by packing
objects with uniform power requirements. So that same AAA battery will power
your radio and your flashlight. However, batteries are heavy so hand cranked
radios, and flashlights may be a better option.
Radio: A small radio to hear the news and if it is safe to
go back home is essential to knowing what is going on in an emergency. Also, a
radio to communicate with friends and family is also important to relocating
each other in case some one gets split from the group.
Flash lights and light sources: In an emergency, the power
may go out so a light source will be essential to survival at night.
Food: At least three days worth of food should be packed
along with three days worth of water (especially if you are in an area where
fresh water is scarce). Any food packed must be able to go without
refrigeration as well. If you expect to be away from water and food for a
longer period of time, a fresh water purifier, and a small firearm, fishing kit
and a survival guide on edible plants in your area would be prudent.
Sleeping gear: Shelter is a must to survival. If there are
no shelters that can take you in, then camping gear may be needed to provide
that shelter. This also means a sleeping bag as well for warmth on cold nights.
Clothing: At least one change of cloths, to three will be
required for a bug out bag. Anything else is just dead weight. If needed, also
pack a small sewing kit and some patches to mend damaged clothing.
Identification: Being able to be identified is essential.
It allows you to prove who you are and allows you to access any
financial/medical information once things start getting back to normal. This
also means you need to have your tax and bank info as well for when things
return to normal and to prevent thieves from getting their hands on vital
information if they are to raid your property while you are gone. So keep it
all in a safe place where it can easily be grabbed in an evacuation.
Games: Yes a game or two. In this case something easy to
carry along like a deck of cards. This is used to take your mind off the trauma
you are probably facing.
Weight: At all times be conscious of the weight of what is
in your bug out bag. The heavier it is the more likely you are to be slowed
down and not get away in time. So things like a power bar over a heavy can of
soup may be necessary.
Customize: If you face a particular type of emergency
situation more readily, then you can customize your bug out bag for that
threat. A gas mask is useful for both chemical attacks by terrorists and for
breathing through the noxious smoke in a wild fire. If you are in a cold environment
you can pack walking skis and winter gear to aid you in getting through the
harsh snow. I think you get the general idea here.
Conclusion: These tips are to help you get through a
temporary situation. More extensive preps will be needed in much more dire
situations. We face terrorism, earthquakes, civil unrest, tornado's, hurricanes
and large scale accidents as part of our everyday lives. Is it not prudent to
be prepped to get the hell out of dodge when things go bad?