Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Important Basic Bug Out Bag Supplies

By Claudine Hodges


There are many people who are prepared to evacuate at a moment's notice. The reason could be a natural disaster, possible terrorist attack, foreign invasion, or collapse of our government. If you find yourself needing to run and in a hurry, you should have these important bug out bag supplies packed and ready to go. The idea is to have enough supplies to last three days not for long term survival. Just enough time to get you to a safe place or for rescue to arrive.

Clean drinking water is vital and sometimes overlooked. A person needs at the least, one liter per day. Have at least three liters in each pack. Also, it is important to have options available. Have iodine tablets and a small kettle or pot for boiling water. You will use the pot for cooking also.

Next item to consider is food. Camping and backpacking meals are easy to find at most stores and on the internet. Meals Ready to Eat (MRE) are packaged meals developed for the military and can be eaten cold or hot. Add protein bars, nuts, and even some hard candy to your supplies.

For clothing take two shirts not just one so you can layer them if need be. Take pants not jeans, socks, and a hat. Include in your bag, a pair of long underwear that will keep you warm and a jacket that can keep you dry and warm. A bandana is also useful to have due to its versatility. Have a pair of sturdy boots next to your kit ready to put on before running out the door.

You will need shelter. Always consider the area and weather conditions you will be in. Have a tent or tarp to sleep under and stay dry. It is going to be important to stay dry so be sure to have a ground tarp or sleeping pad. A good sleeping bag or some type of bedroll will come in handy.

Plus, do not forget your first aid kit. You can purchase one that has already been put together but it is better to build your own. By doing it yourself, you know intimately what is in it and how to use it. Fill it with basics, then add items specific to your needs. You should have any prescription medications, allergy and diarrhea medicines, sun block, and instant cold/ice packs, in case of sprained ankles or wrists.

The intent of your kit is to be able to evacuate and either get to a safe place or wait for rescue to arrive. So you need these other items. A hatchet for firewood, clearing paths, or if need be - protection. Do not forget a small pot or large cup that you can boil water for drinking or cooking. Carry matches or a lighter but it would be wiser to also know how to start a fire without their help.

Most times, you can hunker down and ride out the disaster while staying in your home, or shelter you may have prepared. But there are also instances when it will be wisest to simply run for safety in the woods or in the mountains. Have a three day supply of basics ready and waiting at all times, for you to grab on the way out the door.




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