Bug-out bag

A bug-out bag, also known as a BoB or a G.O.O.D Kit, is a portable kit popular with survivalists that typically contains the items one would require to survive for a minimum of seventy two hours when evacuating from a disaster. It is also known as a 72-hour kit. The focus is on evacuation (getting out of Dodge; hence the synonym "GOOD kit"), rather than long-term survival, distinguishing the bug-out bag from a survival kit, a boating or aviation emergency kit, or a fixed-site disaster supplies kit.

Rationale

The primary purpose of a bug-out bag is to allow you and your family to evacuate quickly in the event of a disaster, regardless of the type or source. It is therefore prudent to gather all of the materials and supplies that might be required to do this into a single place, such as a bag or a few storage containers. The recommendation that a bug-out bag should contain enough supplies for seventy two hours arises from advice from organizations responsible for disaster relief and management that it may take them up to seventy two hours to reach people affected by a disaster and offer help. Ideally, 72 hours should also be enough time for you and your family to safely reach your safe retreat, if needed in the event of a long-term situation.

In addition to allowing one to survive a disaster evacuation, a bug-out bag may also be utilized when sheltering in place as a response to emergencies such as house fires, blackouts, and tornadoes or other severe weather.

Typical contents

The suggested contents of a bug-out bag vary broadly, depending on both your own individual situation and the most likely event for which you are preparing, but most of the following are usually included:

• Enough food and water to last for seventy two hours. This includes:
  • 4 litres (1 gallon) of water per person per day, for washing, drinking and cooking.
  • Non-perishable food.
  • water purification supplies.
  • Cooking supplies.
  • Cutlery and cups/dishes.
• A first aid kit.
• A disaster plan including location of emergency centers, your BOL, rallying points, possible evacuation/escape routes etc.
• Professional emergency literature explaining what to do in various types of disaster, studied and understood before the actual disaster but kept for reference
  • NOTE: While important, this should be kept to a minimum; you do NOT want to try to pack out the Library of Congress with you.
• Maps and travel information.
• Standard camping equipment, including sanitation supplies.
• Clothes and bedding.
• Enough medicine to last an extended evacuation period if, for example, one's home were destroyed.
  • CAUTION: Remember to check any medications stored in your BoB regularly! You do NOT want to be caught in a situation where you are stuck with needed meds that are past their expiry date.
• Pet, child and elderly care needs.
• Radio.
• Lighting (battery or crank operated flashlight, glow sticks).
• Firearm(s) and appropriate ammunition (possibly for use as ballistic wampum).
• Crowbar (offensive weapon, building and vehicle entry, etc.)
• Cash and change, as electronic banking transactions may not be available during the initial period following an emergency or evacuation.
  • NOTE: While ballistic wampum may be a good idea in some situations, large amounts are simply not practical for a BoB; cash will likely be of more use in the early periods anyway. Extra munitions stores should be securely maintained at your retreat whenever possible.
• Fixed-blade knife

Ideally, there should be one BoB for each member of your family who is capable of carrying one. Larger families may wish to consider keeping a GOOD kit in a small trailer, kept in a secure location nearby, which can be hitched up quickly in an emergency.

See also

• James Wesley Rawles
• Survival retreat
• Survival kit
• Survivalism
• Ten Essentials

External links

• International Red Cross Preparedness Plan
• Canadian Red Cross 72 Hour Kit Recommendations
• FEMA 72 Hour Kit Recommendations
• About.com—How to Make a 72 Hour Kit for Emergency Preparedness