People have become much more aware of the need to be prepared for any type of natural or manmade disaster. Most, have food staples, water, and first aide items stored and ready for when needed. But the reality may be that you cannot stay home and weather it out. You may have to run. If that is the case where you are, then having basic bug out bag supplies ready to go, can mean your evacuation will be successful.
The most important item to carry with you or have accessible is clean drinking water. It takes one liter of water per person per day to survive, so pack three litters. Also, have iodine tablets and a small pot for boiling water.
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.
The clothing you take should be weather and locale appropriate. Have a pair of long pants, preferably not jeans, two shirts for layering, and a jacket that will keep you warm and dry. You also need a hat, two pairs of socks, long underwear that is warm, and a bandana. Do not skimp on your footwear and have a pair of good sturdy boots or shoes.
There are many lightweight tents that will fit in your kit as does a tarp. In addition, you need good ground cover to keep you dry so take either a sleeping pad or a ground tarp. A good sleeping bag or bedroll is also essential.
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.
You might be thinking that is all you need, but no, there are more items that are also vital to survival. Such as a hatchet for cutting firewood, a knife for all kinds of uses, a small pot or large cup for boiling water to drink or heat food. You also need matches, a lighter, and know how to start a fire without either.
Hopefully you will never need to use your bag. However, you do not want to find yourself unprepared. Be certain to include the listed items first, then add to them anything else you can carry and feel you will need to make it through three days or longer if needed. Having these few items can save your life.
The most important item to carry with you or have accessible is clean drinking water. It takes one liter of water per person per day to survive, so pack three litters. Also, have iodine tablets and a small pot for boiling water.
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.
The clothing you take should be weather and locale appropriate. Have a pair of long pants, preferably not jeans, two shirts for layering, and a jacket that will keep you warm and dry. You also need a hat, two pairs of socks, long underwear that is warm, and a bandana. Do not skimp on your footwear and have a pair of good sturdy boots or shoes.
There are many lightweight tents that will fit in your kit as does a tarp. In addition, you need good ground cover to keep you dry so take either a sleeping pad or a ground tarp. A good sleeping bag or bedroll is also essential.
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.
You might be thinking that is all you need, but no, there are more items that are also vital to survival. Such as a hatchet for cutting firewood, a knife for all kinds of uses, a small pot or large cup for boiling water to drink or heat food. You also need matches, a lighter, and know how to start a fire without either.
Hopefully you will never need to use your bag. However, you do not want to find yourself unprepared. Be certain to include the listed items first, then add to them anything else you can carry and feel you will need to make it through three days or longer if needed. Having these few items can save your life.
