Bug Out Kit

DO THESE FOLKS NEED A BUG OUT KIT?  After reading about all of the fires and floods in the United States to day I thought it would be a good time to post this article about bug out kits.

PUT TOGETHER A BUG OUT KIT

A bug out kit may also be called a 72 hour kit. It purpose is for you and your family to be able to survive nearly anywhere for 72 hours without any outside help. This also gives you time to figure what your current resources are and what you must do to survive in the future.When a disaster strikes your community emergency services and government agencies may not be able to respond to your IMMEDIATE NEEDS. Their buildings, equipment, personnel, communications, and mobility may be severely hampered by the event. They will be overwhelmed.Experts warn that you should be prepared to be on your own for a minimum of three days after a disaster. One of the most important elements of this preparedness is the 72-hour kit for your home. The contents of this kit will vary, but in every case it should contain the things you need to survive for three days on your own.Your home 72-hour kit should contain at least the following items:

• One gallon of water per person per day. This means at least three gallons of water per person.
• Sufficient non-perishable food for three days. Ideally, these foods will be lightweight and high in energy. If you pack canned foods, remember a can opener!
• Prescription and non-prescription medications. Include a spare set of glasses, if you need them.
• Battery powered portable radio. This may be your only source of information during a disaster.
• First aid kit. The small camping kits work well. Remember to get enough supplies for the number of people who may be using them.
• Personal hygiene items.
• Clothing and bedding. A spare pair of socks and a space saver blanket would be a minimum.
• Special items such as baby needs or contact lens supplies, etc.
• Personal comfort items. Books, games, personal electronics, etc.
• Remember, this is only a bare bones kit. You can add things to this list that you or your family will need. The list that follows will give you an idea of where to start. It is a stolen list and I do not know the original author however it is quite good.
• FIRST AID SUPPLIES
• Adhesive bandages, various sizes
• 5 ” x 9 ” sterile dressing
• Conforming roller gauze bandage
• Triangular bandages
• 3 ” x 3 ” sterile gauze pads
• 4 ” x 4 ” sterile gauze pads
• Roll 3 ” cohesive bandage
• Germicidal hand wipes or waterless, alcohol based
• Adhesive tape, 2 ” width
• Antibacterial ointment
• Cold pack
• Scissors (small, personal), tweezers
• Assorted sizes of safety pins
• Cotton balls, sunscreen
• First aid manual
• Non Prescription and Prescription Medicine
• MEDICAL KIT SUPPLIES
• Aspirin and non-aspirin pain reliever
• Anti-diarrhea medication
• Antacid (for stomach upset)
• Laxative
• Prescriptions
• Extra eyeglasses/contact lenses
• SANITATION AND HYGIENE SUPPLIES
• Washcloth and small towel
• Towelettes and soap
• Tooth paste, toothbrush
• Shampoo, comb, and brush
• Lip balm, insect repellent
• Feminine supplies
• Heavy-duty plastic garbage bags and ties for personal sanitation uses and toilet paper
• Toilet paper
• EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Waterproof matches or in waterproof container
• Manual can opener
• Mess kit or paper cups, plates, and plastic utensils
• Multi-purpose tool,
• Sugar, salt, and pepper
• Duct tape, whistle, work gloves
• Paper, pens, and pencils
• Needles and thread
• Re-sealable plastic bags
• FOOD AND WATER
• Ready-to-eat meats, fruits, and vegetables
• High-energy foods such as peanut butter, jelly, low-sodium crackers, granola bars, and trail mix
• Special foods for persons on special diets
• Cookies, hard candy
• Cereals and powdered milk
• Clothes and Bedding Supplies
• Complete change of clothes (3 day supply)
• Sturdy shoes or boots
• Rain gear, hat, sunglasses
• Blankets/sleeping bags and camp pillows
• DOCUMENTS AND KEYS
• Personal identification
• Cash and coins (minimum $100.00), credit cards
• Extra set of house keys and car keys
• Copy of birth certificate, marriage certificate
• Copy of driver’s license, social security cards
• Copy of passports, wills and deeds
• Insurance papers, immunization records
• Bank and credit card account numbers
• Emergency contact list and phone numbers
• Map of the area & phone numbers of places you could go. This is important and also notify someone in your church or government where they can reach you if you leave your home.

This is a good place to start now you must make up your own Bug-Out-Bag.