A bug-out bag is a portable kit that normally contains the items a person would require to survive for 72 hours when evacuating from a disaster. Every member of the family should have a dedicated bug-out bag. The focus is on evacuation, rather than long-term survival, but evacuation to where? Here in the Pacific Northwest, wilderness isn't all that far away no matter where you find yourself when disaster happens.
Supplies for your bug-out bag might include:
☐ Enough water to last for at least 72 hours. This includes water for washing, drinking and cooking. 1 gallon per person per day. If you have pets then include extra water for them.
☐ A disaster plan including location of emergency centers, rallying points, possible evacuation routes, etc.
☐ Professional emergency literature explaining what to do in various types of disaster, studied and understood before the actual disaster but kept for reference.
☐ Maps and travel information.
☐ Standard camping equipment, including sanitation supplies.
☐ Bedding items such as sleeping bags and blankets. If you have to sleep on the ground then a thick plastic or oilcloth tarp under the sleeping bags will keep ground moisture out of your bedding. A second one suspended on a rope between two trees or other supports can be used to form a tarp tent shelter from the morning dew or a rainstorm.
☐ Enough medicine to last an extended evacuation period.
☐ Copies of medical records for each person in the family.
☐ Pet, child, and elderly care needs.
☐ Battery or crank-operated radio.
☐ Lighting (battery or crank operated flashlight, glow sticks).
☐ Cash and change, as electronic banking transactions may not be available during the initial period following an emergency or evacuation.
☐ Positive identification, such as drivers license, state I.D. card, or social security card, plus any medical ID cards if you have them. Those with allergies should have a MedicAlert or similar ID.
☐ Birth certificate or passport.
☐ Fixed-blade and folding knife
☐ Swiss Army Knife
☐ Multi-tool, like a Leatherman
☐ Duct tape and rope or paracord
☐ Tarpaulins for shelter and water collection
☐ Wire for binding and animal traps
☐ Compass
☐ Firearms and extra ammunition
☐ Slingshot, pellet gun, blowgun or other small game hunting equipment
☐ Small fishing kit
☐ Signal mirror
☐ Emergency whistle
☐ Rubber tubing
☐ Digestion care medicine for indigestion, stomach ache, nausea, and diarrhea
