So its late October. Technically we are nearing the end of hurricane season, and yet the US is facing a "storm of epic proportions," according to the Weather Channel. As I write this, Hurricane Sandy is bearing down on the eastern seaboard. She will impact an area from Florida to Maine. She is expected to make landfall near the Washington DC and New York City areas. And have an impact zone of 300 hundred miles and affect 500,000 people. YIKES! The concern is not only Hurricane Sandy, as she looks like a doozie, but the fact that this lovely storm is expected to collide with a super charged jet stream of cooler air at the west and a high pressure system to the north and east. They, the weather geeks, are saying that if in fact these three systems converge "this will be a storm of a lifetime." They are saying that this convergence of storms could "create a storm more significant than The Perfect Storm" of 1991.
I told you all of that to tell you this....
I recently joined an online "moms community" on FaceBook, started by a friend of mine Kim (go visit her at
Design Thoughts she has a great site based on momma-hood and interior design) and a group of her momma friends, called Moms Just Being. This morning on the Moms page a positive thought was sent out regarding all of the Mommas and their families that are in the "impact zone." I, silly prepper me, made a statement about a Bug Out Bag (BOB). I was surprised on how many people don't know about them, never heard of them, don't get it, etc.
So here's the skinny on a Bug Out Bag.
What is a Bug Out Bag (BOB)? It is a bit of the literal and a bit of the practical. It is a bag, usually a duffel or backpack. Something easy to handle, but large enough to hold everything you need it to. Its meant to be something you can grab in a hurry, in an emergency situation, and know that it has everything you will need for you, your family, your home for a few days (at minimum).
Why do I need a BOB, we aren't like you weirdo doomsday prepper people? It is about "prepping" but its more about being prepared in an emergency situation. I ask What if you need to split at a moments notice? Do you think you will grab vital information, medications, and clothes at a moments notice? It isn't about the End of the World. Its about hurricanes, earthquakes, tornados, floods, and just in general "oh shit" moments.
Who needs a BOB? Uhhhhh, EVERYONE. Literally. If you are a single, couple, family of 4, family of 4 plus the dog, ALL of YOU need a BOB. Momma needs one. Daddy too. Kiddos. And our furry friends, unless you plan on leaving them behind. (I'd be sad! Very sad!)
OK, already. What goes in one of these BOB's? I say a little bit of everything. But BE CAREFUL, you are going to have to either carry this thing or pack it in/on a vehicle with the rest of the families BOB's. Pack smart.
Here are a few widely recommended items I would suggest for you to consider:
Medications/First Aid-think about your family. Do you use medications daily? If you do, make sure you have a few days supply on your person AT ALL TIMES. Thinks about pain relievers, antacids, bandaids (it going to be an even crappier trip with a cut that you can't cover), antibiotic ointment, etc. If you have medications that need to be refrigerated, consider packing some of the compression packs that you crack to initiate that cold affect, its not ideal but it would work in an emergency.
Personal Needs-nobody wants to be out of their home with Stinky Pete who has the worst case of morning breath in history. So, travel size deodorant, toothpaste and brush, shampoo and body soap. Ladies don't forget the tampons, not only for us and our lady needs, but they work great for other "what-if's" that could happen along the way (they are a great tool for stopping a bloody nose).
Clothes-it is recommended to pack for two to three days. Again, pack smart. You don't need 3 of everything, you can wash your gear when you get to a safe zone. Pack according to the weather. If its winter, make sure you have extra mittens and hats. Summer means lighter weight shirts and pants.
Important Documents-use some caution here. Be sure to pack necessities like copies of auto and house insurance policies and contact numbers, decrete bank information, proper identification for each person on/in each bag (take a photo of your kiddo, make a contact card with your contact numbers AND name and numbers of someone who is likely to be in an unaffected area. Laminate them! These should be updated every 12 months at minimum for kiddos.), basic medical information (who has asthma, allergies, etc), and anything else that you feel is relevant to your family.
Personal Safety-Ok depending on you, your views, and how far you may have to travel, and the specific reason you are "bugging out," you need to consider your safety and how you will protect it. Whether its a firearm and ammunition or a knife or some other tactical item, at least consider it, and plan/pack for it.
Food-no need to pack the whole pantry. Aim for healthful snacks like protein bars and meal replacement bars, jerky and dried fruits. Things that are handled easily, and don't need special treatment (no refrigeration). I know it sounds contradictory, but pack something sweet, a roll of lifesavers or something. You don't want to find yourself on the move in a hurry and having low blood sugar due to anxiety. Be sure to have prepackaged water bottles also.
Furry Friends-a Ziploc full of food, any medications, and a few bottles of prepackaged water. Oh and toys.
Entertainment-deck of cards, small packs of crayons and coloring books, books for reading, travel size games, etc. Keeping everyone entertained will make for an easier trip.
MONEY-depending on the situation and duration of your trip, you will need some CASH and COINS. What happens if your debit and credit cards don't work? Or your need something to eat and there is no power at your stop, you can pay in CASH. I would say a family of four should have $200 (at minimum), if possible. Small bills, nothing larger than a twenty and plenty of ones and fives. And at least $5 in coins.
Miscellaneous Items- things like a small flashlight, sewing kit, baggy of laundry soap, safety pins, super glue, dental floss, boogie/wet wipes, maps, matches, etc.
WHEW........
I know its quite the list. And it sounds like a HUGE task, but I guarantee you will be glad you did when the time comes and you need it, and its there waiting for you.
I hope you never NEED it, but hope you use this list to spark the thought of consideration to be a bit more prepared and create your own Bug Out Bag, however big or small.
Happy Prepping, The Farm Wife
