Natural disasters, urban riots, rolling blackouts and economic catastrophes are an unfortunate fact of life. The Japan 8.9 earthquake and tsunami and the associated nuclear disaster are poignant reminders of what can happen.
While disasters are inevitable, you can plan ahead now to help ensure your odds of survival. It is crucial that you carefully prepare a survival kit that will sustain you and your family for at least 72 hours. This survival kit, commonly known as a bug out bag, is essential for quick evacuation.
Before packing your bug out bag, determine what disasters your area is susceptible to. For example, if you live in Oklahoma, you probably don’t need to plan for an earthquake, but you’d better prepare for tornadoes. Do your homework and know what type of emergency you may encounter in your area.
Bug Out Bag Contents
Once you have determined what kind of scenario you may face, it's time to plan the contents of your bug out bag. The main purpose of this kit is to allow you quick evacuation and short term survival. A well-stocked kit should include the following items:
- Non-perishable food to last for at least 72 hours. Food items could include energy bars, canned items and military rations.
- 72 hours worth of water and water purification tablets. According to the U.S. Army Survival Manual, you need a minimum of two liters of water daily to maintain efficiency.
- Candles, waterproof matches, fire starting kit and a lighter
- AM/FM battery or hand-crank operated radio and a cell phone with extra batteries
- First Aid kit
- Battery or hand-crank operated flashlight and glow sticks
- Spoons, knives, forks and a can opener
- Folding and fixed blade knife
- Insect spray, moist towelettes, and hand sanitizer
- Sleeping bag, emergency blankets, spare shoe strings and para cord
- Medical records and any medications
- Maps and emergency literature
- Weapons: hand gun, pellet gun, sling shot and small game hunting supplies
- Rain poncho, toe and hand warmers
- Extra socks, underwear and clothes
- Spare plastic bags
- Inexpensive folding tent.
This list isn’t all-inclusive, and you may need to add supplies that are relevant to your situation. The easiest way to create your own bug out bag is to write down a checklist of items needed. Start with the most critical items such as water and work your way down through less vital items. Remember not to forget the small things.
Survival Contingency Plans
In the event your emergency kit is unavailable, it’s a good idea to have a secondary bug out bag available in another location. The bug out bag is important, but you should also have a detailed evacuation plan in place. In the event of a disaster, have a meeting place for your family and a potential evacuation location. Ensure that every family member knows how to get to this location. Don’t forget to designate someone in your family to bring the bug out bag.
Source:
United States Army, U.S. Army Field Manual – Survival, Evasion, and Recovery, Digireads Publishing; 2006
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