Go Bag (Bug-out Bag)
A bug-out bag (BOB) or in a more common term, Go Bag is a portable kit that normally contains the items one would require to survive for 72 hours when evacuating from a disaster, although some kits are designed to last longer periods. Other names for such a bag are a 72-hour kit, battle box, grab bag, GOOD bag (get out of dodge), personal emergency relocation kit (PERK), or quick run bag (QRB).
The focus is on evacuation, rather than long-term survival, distinguishing the Go Bag from a survival kit, an aviation or a boating emergency kit, or a fixed-site disaster supplies kit.
Content
The suggested contents of a Go Bag vary, but most of the following are usually included. They can usually be sorted into several categories.
- Essentials (necessary for the human body to survive)
- Air filtration mask
- Water and food to last for at least 72 hours.
- Water for drinking and cooking.
- Water purification supplies or water filtration system.
- Non-perishable food.
- First Aid
- Enough medicine to last an extended evacuation period.
- Medicine for indigestion, stomachache, nausea, and diarrhoea.
- Sanitary Supplies (Women).
- Hand sanitizer.
- Shelter, Clothing and Warmth
- Essential clothing
- Weather-appropriate clothing and UV protection.
- Bedding items such as sleeping bags and blankets.
- Fire-starting tool.
- Standard camping equipment, including sanitation supplies.
- Literature
- A disaster plan including location of emergency centers, rallying points, possible evacuation 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.
- Physical maps and travel information.
- Tools and Navigation
- Battery or crank-operated radio.
- Lighting (battery or crank operated flashlight, glow sticks).
- An external power-pack or small, portable solar charger (to keep the phone charged).
- Swiss Army Knife
- A Multi-tool
- Duct tape and rope or paracord
- A mini shovel, axe/hatchet, or a combined version of the two for more portability
- Folding Saw
- Super glue, which can also be used to suture wounds.
- Tarpaulins for shelter and water collection
- Wire for binding and animal traps
- Small Fishing tackle
- Signal mirror
- Emergency whistle
- Rubber tubing
- Trash bags
- Aluminum foil
- Paracord
- Compass
- Defense from most dangerous animals or people if required.
- Knife with a sheath
- Pepper Spray
- Slingshot, pellet gun, blowgun or other small game hunting equipment.
- Miscellaneous
- Pet, child, and elderly care needs.
- Physical cash and change, as electronic banking transactions may not be available during the initial period following an emergency or evacuation.
- Positive identification documents, plus any medical ID cards if you have them. Those with allergies should have a MedicAlert or similar ID.
- Copies of medical records for each person in the family.
- Printed copy of any insurance information such as home and contents insurance.
- Copies of birth certificate
- Passport