What is a Bug Out Bag (BOB)
February 15, 2009 – 7:55 amRecently a friend was asking about getting prepared for an urban survival scenario without having to buy property and keeping a cachet of food and supplies in some remote area (he is worried about small creatures such as mice…)
My first question was whether he had a bug out bag or not? A what he said. A jump pack, Filght pack, emergency run kit….. He looked at me somewhat bewildered. I have some food storage at home if that is what you mean. No Go I told him.
In plain English, a bug out bag (or BOB) is an emergency kit that you can grab and get the heck out of dodge. It usually has about 3 days of food and water in it, along with some basic supplies. The trick to the BOB is making it work for you. For instance, a childs BOB should be lighter than an adults BOB. If you work, you should have a BOB at work and at home. Yes it is extra cost, but it is well worth it!
I will also have quality tools (no Harbor Fright or Walmart Brand cheapies in it.) It is worth every penny for a good tool that will function in a pinch.) Leatherman, Gerber to name two! Also an LED flashlight is key as well.
You will also keep in it a contingncy plan of what to do and where to go in case all hell breaks loose. Be sure these lists are laminated so they wont get destroyed!
I also have a first aid kit, and a bunch of other stuff in there as well – I pretty much treat it as a mini camping kit.
Now, here is the thing to remember. The only reason you should bug out is if you feel you cannot stay. For instance, there have been earthquakes, your house is damaged, gangs are running in the streets – you get the picture! My preference is to stay put and let things settle down.
President Franklin D Roosevelt said it best – “We have nothing to fear but fear itself.”
If all hell breaks loose in a town, The Military will be in within a few hours (day at the longest.) Rioters typically go looting in the shopping districts – higher concentration of stuff they will want.
Remember, take time and be prepared. Keep a cool head, plan and THINK. Respond and don’t React.
2 Responses to “What is a Bug Out Bag (BOB)”
Since I have received so many emails, I am thinking of putting together an extensive list
of items that should be in your 72 hour kit & Bug out Bag.The most important thing you need
is water & since you cannot carry much water, you will need a small water filter. I carry
a small pump water filter that will filter out 99.999% of micro-organisms. I also carry a
straw type filters that filter as you suck through the straw. Just in case I also carry a
bottle of purification pills. Second you need nutrients & the best source of nutrients is
life caps, not only are they pure, real food, easy digestible & you can live on life caps &
water alone, they are light & easy to carry. Great for children & adults, they have all the
vitamins & minerals including iodine to sustain life. When a tragedy or emergency hits,
people do not realize the importance of water, vitamins & minerals during stressful situations.
Fatigue & illness occurs because of lack of nutrients & water. Most of the time the hunger
is not there because of the stress. YOU NEED TO REMEMBER TO TAKE GOOD VITAMINS & DRINK WATER
IN AN EMERGENCY TO STAY HEALTHY & HELP YOURSELF & OTHERS. What is the first thing you do in
an emergency situation on a plane, you put the oxygen mask on yourself then take care of others
around you. First thing in an emergency, you should take life caps & drink water before you do
anything else. You cannot do yourself or anyone else any good if you fall due to stress.
Many elders & children die before people realize they need more than double the vitamins & water
during a stressful situation than during a normal day. Elders & children die because of lowered
immune systems during emergencies.
By Todd on Mar 15, 2009