This is just a reminder in these uncertain times that it's wise to have a small kit, customized for each member of the family, that is assembled and ready-to-go in an easily accessible location in case you look up and realize that there's a mob, a wall of fire, a cloud of deadly chemicals, a tornado or any of a thousand other realistic scenarioes, headed your way and you need to move NOW.
Now, I'm not going to create a list of items and gear recommendations. Here on TSPF are thousands of such posts showing what many of us choose to carry with us if Bad Things Happen. But, just as a though-starter. . .consider this:
Every home should have a kit for each member of the family that meets the following specifications:
1. Weighs no more than 40 lbs.
2. Addresses Water Requirements.
a. Includes enough water for a MINIMUM of 12 hours.
b. Includes multiple methods of water procurement and purification for a MINIMUM of 30 days at your expected usage level.
2. Addresses Food requirements
a. Includes approximately 6,000 calories of ready-to-eat or easily prepared foods.
b. Includes those items needed to procure and prepare food for a longer period of time (usually I say "indefinitely).
3. Provides basic shelter needs appropriate for your climate.
4. Provides basic self-defense needs appropriate for your skill level and familiarity.
5. Includes a basic communications protocol and equipment (or support equipment) to (re)establish communications with other members or acquire information.
6. Includes items for navigation that do not rely upon outside sources (e.g., physical maps in case the phone systems and internet access is unavailable).
The Bug Out Bag (BOB, PERK, Go-Bag (I absolutely refuse to call it a Boogaloo Kit), etc.) is the single, most important, and versatile item in a survivalist's preparations.
I know it goes against most of the current "prepper" models. The BOB is the single most identifying item of those who stand by what I call the Old-school Survival Model (OSSM). Current "prepper" thoughts lean away from what is usually described as the Lone Wolf Mindset and is angled towards the larger group/commune/kibbutz concepts better suited for the long-term disaster recovery and less towards surviving the moments.
This is not intended to be a negative commentary on the latter models. Rather, it is intended to remind people that versatility, flexibility and adaptability are the bases upon which we must build our responses.
And the BOB is the one collection of supplies and equipment that can be applied to almost every scenario that we realistically face. If done right, the BOB does the one thing that others can't: Provide us with an instantly accessible basic set of food, water, shelter and basic necessities that can be used under all threat levels regardless if we remain in place, or are forced to relocate.
Just throwing it out there.
The Professor
