A 'Go Bag' or 'Bug Out Bag' is a portable kit of items that would help a person survive for up to 72 hours when evacuating from a disaster. Since you could be dependent on these kits for your survival, the contents of your Go Bag should be well thought out and properly planned. Here are five items that would be useful to have in your Go Bag.
It's difficult to pack enough water to keep yourself going for 72 hours without weighing yourself down. Instead, pack a day's worth of bottled water (about a gallon per person) and consider adding a portable water filter or some water purification supplies, like iodine tabs.
Though the same can't be said about water, the human body can survive quite a while without food. So go light on your food rations. Freeze-dried food and MREs (Meals Ready to Eat) make good options due to their long shelf lives.
Don't assume that you'll only be moving around in broad daylight. You may need your own light source, so a flashlight or lamp may be very useful. Also consider packing some spare batteries.
Dependent on where you are and the prevailing weather conditions, having access to a fire may be critical to your survival. The range of tools here is wide and varying, from matches to lighters to ferrocerium rods. Since these items tend to be small and portable, consider having a primary tool as well as a back-up.
A radio is useful to stay informed of situation updates, both through regular broadcast channels as well as through the emergency services channels. Hand-crank radios are a good option, but an alternative is to get a radio that runs on the same type of batteries as your light source.
Go Bags are kits that you never want to have to use. But recent events like Katrina have highlighted that we are all vulnerable to unforeseeable disasters, so it cannot hurt to be prepared.
All are good for just about any emergencies! Great list and topic. Are you from Louisiana?
I certainly agree with this list. H5
All of these are necessities! We have a bag in our basement just in case! Thanks for the reminder!
Great job! H5
A well put together list. All must need items. Great job.
I sure do agree with being prepared. Well done list!
Nice things to consider putting in your bag to take with you in case of an emergency. All good items. Nice article.
select one here...