Step 4: Bug Out Bags (BOBs)

Bug Out Bags (BOBs)- the one thing you grab when you only have minutes to leave your house.

There is so much info out there on what to put in your BOBs. We’re going to go the common sense route here, and build bags that carry the items we would most like need/use for 80% of the scenarios most likely in our area and life. We’re living in reality here, and while there’s no problems with prepping for the more unlikely scenarios if you have the time, money, etc., for most people, most of the time, we want to focus on our real lives, and scenarios that would be most likely to happen. Likely scenarios for where I live:

• there’s an evacuation order and you want to get ahead of the chaos/traffic, while others are panic packing

• Fire alarm goes off in the middle of the night and you get your family out before your house goes up in flames (especially if you live with your house attached to others)

• A home intruder or domestic violence situation means you need to leave asap

• There’s an active shooter in your area and you need to get away fast

• There’s an emergency alert for a tornado in your area

• A mentally ill family member is trying to break down your front door and you need to grab the kids and run out the back way

Some of these scenarios you won’t have any experience with and could never see them happening to you, and that’s ok. Pick the most likely things that you think can happen, and plan for them first. Then fill in the gaps if/when you can. Also keep in mind, that just because you don’t think it can happen to you, doesn’t mean it won’t. Hope for the best, plan for the worst.

The Bug Out Bag List

The contents here are for EACH person that can carry their own bag. The adult bags will have to carry enough gear for the kids as well (if you have ‘em), and possibly a pet. Get as much light stuff into kids bags as possible (spare set of clothes, diapers, etc.), but realize that you might be carrying it as well. As kids get older, you can start to transition their own supplies into their own bags. Don’t forget your pets. Have a way to get them out and into a travel container you can carry in a hurry.

Our current Bug Out Bag list:

• IFAK (Individual first aid kit - enough for your party, unless they can all carry their own)

• 32 oz water

• collapsable canteen/water vessel

• water filter

• water purification tablets

• food that’s ready to eat

• lighters/matches

• tinder

• headlamp + extra batteries

• field knife

• multitool

• cordage

• tarp

• emergency blanket

• waterproof paper/pen

• docs - physical & usb drive

• cash

• paper/concentrated soap

• tp + waste bags

• nail clippers

• appropriate extra clothes:

  • socks

  • base layer

  • underware

  • shell - top and bottom

  • buff/shemagh/bandana

  • gloves/mitts

  • hat/beanie

  • sunglasses

• hand sanitizer

• toothbrush/toothpaste/floss

• deodorant

• one/two-way radio

• usb charging cable and wall plug

• li-ion battery pack

• pads/tampons

• ziplocks

• dry bag

• sunscreen

• lip balm

• face masks

• tissue packs

• handwarmers

• medication

• eating utensils

• diapers and wipes

• diaper garbage bags

• pet bowls

• pet food

• pet blanket

• water for pet

This should be able to sustain us/you for a few days while you make your way to a safe place. You never know the situation you might be going through as you make your way to your desired safe spot, so be prepared to be on the move longer than you expect.