Disasters are bound to happen. The big question is, what preparations have you put in place to protect yourself and your family in case disaster strikes? Knowing what to include in a bug out bag can make a big difference between surviving and being in despair during a major disaster.
The truth is, you cannot include everything in a bug out bag because they will become too heavy and difficult to carry. It is therefore very important to know essential things that you need to carry to help you and your family survive in case disaster strikes.
Table of Contents
Below is a list of what I put in my OWN Family’s Bug Out Bag
Water and hydration
This is arguably the most important and must-have essential in a bug out bag. Various scientific researchers have shown that the human body can go without food for about 3 weeks but cannot function if it goes without water for more than 72 hours.
It is therefore very important to include water in your bug out bag especially if your family of four includes children. We recommend that you should carry at least 10 liters of water to keep all four family members well hydrated.
We recommend that you should carry at least 10 liters of water to keep all four family members well hydrated. Another important item that you need to include under this category is lifestraw which can filter up to 99.9% of harmful bacteria from water that you could otherwise not drink if it has not been treated or boiled.
When surviving or just bugging out, it is important to have both plan A and B. Portable water filters like life straw can serve as good plan B and can save both your life and that of your family members just in case you run out of water.
Personally, as I live near a few lakes, I also have the Katadyn 10 Litre Base Camp Pro Water Filter in my truck, just in case.
First aid tool kit
Accidents are bound to happen when disaster strikes. A first aid kit will help provide help during various emergency situations. In case one of the family members gets injured, you will not just sit there and watch, instead you will provide necessary help that could save life. Key things to include in first aid kit include adhesive bandages to cover simple cut and scrapes, butterfly bandages, chemical ice back, first aid handbook, hypoallergenic adhesive tape and individually wrapped gauze packages.
It’s also important to include medications in your first aid kit to help treat injuries that are not topical. Some of the things to include under this category include eye drops, antidiarrheal, eye drops, antihistamine, stomach medication and fever reducer. When disaster strikes, it will be very difficult to access proper medical care. You will be on your own as family and it will be up to you to ensure that you can save yourselves just in case one of the family members need urgent medical attention. Although a first aid kit will not do much especially if the patient is in critical condition, a bird at hand is worth two in the bush.
My Recommended First Aid Kit can be picked up on Amazon.com for just $14.49
A radio
This is a very crucial survival kit that many people usually overlook when coming up with a list of things to include in bug out bag. When disaster strikes, you need to be alert and informed. There are high chances that your mobile phone may not work due to high level of traffic or downed towers but the radio will work.
A radio will help to inform all family members of what is happening, plans that the government has put in place to mitigate the disaster, get advice on what you need to do as well as areas that you need to avoid.
Lighting
It is recommended that you carry multiple sources of illumination so that you can have a backup just in case one fails. For instance, a flashlight will help keep the camp well lit just in case rain makes it hard for you to put up a fire. All family members need to be in the lookout and that means that you need to avoid staying in darkness. Don’t forget to carry extra batteries.
Again, there are GREAT lighting options on Amazon.com
Self-defense kit
There is no doubt that this is a controversial topic. However, you never know what is awaiting you when disaster strikes. It is therefore very important to carry a self-defense kit to defend your family just in case you find yourself in a position where you have to protect your family.
Carrying self-defense kits such as a knife or handgun can help protect your family just in case you get attacked by wild animals or from other people who don’t have good intentions.
Food
Your family members cannot survive for long without food. In fact, very few people can survive for more than two weeks without eating something. The mistake that most people do is carrying foods that are perishable. When disaster comes in, you never know when it will end or when help will come knocking. It is therefore very important to carry ready to eat foods that
It is therefore very important to carry ready to eat foods that does not required refrigeration and are high in essential nutrients and minerals. Some of the most recommended foods to carry include beef jerky because it is high in protein and does not require refrigeration. Ensure that you pack foods that can last for at least three days.
Lighter & matches
You never know when you will need to light a fire to warm your family, cook, boil water, keep wildlife at bay, signal for help or even sterilize medical equipment. Sincerely speaking, without fire, it will be very difficult to survive for long when disaster strikes.
We recommend that you carry multiple options to help your family survive. Caring lighters and matches will make things easy for your family. However, it is very important to have a backup just in case you run out of matches or misplace your lighter. We advise you carry extra fuel to light campfires and a sparking devise to act as a backup just in case your lighter fails.
Personal hygiene kits
Personal hygiene is a very serious factor that should not be overlooked when packing bug out bag for a family of 4. These kits will help prevent your family for getting ill as well as create conducive environment for every family member.
Ensure that you pack personal hygiene kits such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, hand sanitizers, wipes, feminine products and anything else that is vital to keep your family of 4 fresh and clean.
Would you add or remove anything? Let us know below!
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