I don’t know if it will be an earthquake, a severe weather event, or something else that my mind won’t allow me to articulate, but I do know that I want to be ready for an emergency preparedness evacuation should the need arise. Having all of the necessities to survive in one pack that I can quickly grab on the way out would certainly provide peace of mind for my family and me.

Whether you call it a Bug Out Bag, a Grab and Go Pack, or a Survival Kit, it should contain the essential items needed to survive for 72 hours. There are some very good emergency preparedness kits on the market, and that is a great place to start. Then you ought to customize your kit to your family’s specific needs. You may have children or pets that require special consideration, or you may have an elderly family member to take into account. Plan your evacuation according to the specifics of your household.

Remember that your Bug Out Bag contains only the items needed for three days of survival. Subsequent bags can be readied for comfort and luxury items, which you would bring if you have the time to get those bags and a means to transport them.

The container that you choose for your emergency preparedness kit should be durable, water resistant, and compartmentalized. Consider its portability as well.  It should be something you could carry if you have to evacuate on foot, such as a duffle bag with shoulder straps, a backpack, or a frame pack.

Here is a list of must-haves for a Bug Out Bag. It is offered as a guideline, and not meant as a complete list for your household’s needs.

• Food (freeze dried food), energy bars, no-cook high calorie food, etc.)
• Water (a minimum of 2 liters per day per person, rigid and collapsible containers)
• Water purification method (tablets, filters, boiling, etc.)
• First aid kit (include medications, prescriptions, multivitamins, sunblock)
• Whistle or some type of signaling device for rescue
• Emergency lighting (crank flashlight, headlamp, etc.)
• Portable radio (consider crank or solar that need no batteries)
• Cash (small denominations)
• Change of clothing, rain poncho and hat (season appropriate)
• Identification (family photos, copies of drivers license and health card, etc)
• Personal hygiene items, including toilet paper
• Fire making equipment (waterproof matches, lighter, flint, etc.)
• Map (laminated) and compass
• Duct tape, twine, paracord
• Multi-tool, knife, sewing kit
• Small camp stove, fuel and small pot
• Dust mask
• Survival guide (read before packing it away)
• Pepper spray and possibly a firearm and ammunition (check local laws)
• Deck of playing cards (boredom could set in after a couple of days)

When packing your Bug Out Bag, think about the items that you will want to find quickly once you have evacuated. Be sure that they are within easy reach.  Maintain your kit regularly by changing out the water, checking that the clothes are season-appropriate, and evaluating your emergency food storage.

A final “must-have” for your emergency preparedness cannot be packed in your Bug Out Bag, and that is communication. Form an evacuation plan, including rallying location and emergency centers, and make sure your family is familiar with it.