PROJECT 22

BUG OUT BAG

If you are going to participate in personal preparedness, at some point you will want to construct some sort of bag that contains survival essentials. While these bags have numerous names that stem from the intended use, the type of equipment stored, the group that originated them, or the preferences of the owner, the name really doesn’t matter.

What matters is that the bag is light and small enough to be portable and contains enough to be useful.

When I was in middle school, I built several survival type bags. I had small belt-sized kits to large backpacks that were pre-packed so I could be prepared in the event of a disaster.

When creating a kit take into consideration the likely threats—i.e., you have no need of a fishing kit if you live in a desert. But also look at your skills. Some people can make fire with natural materials, but others need to ensure their kit has a lighter and matches.

I also like to ensure that I have some sort of entertainment in my bag. For me that means a small novel, but for my young son it may mean a small coloring book and an 8-pack of crayons and lots of diapers. . . .

Material:

•   Sturdy kid sized pack

•   Depends on the child but you may want to consider:

o   Medication

o   Signaling devices (like a cell phone)

o   Small amounts of cash

o   Food

o   Water

o   First Aid kit

o   Small knife

o   Change of clothes

o   Emergency blanket

Procedure:

1.     There is no real procedure to this, simply discuss with your child things they may worry about, look at their personal situation (no taking meds or knives in a school bag), and create a kit that makes you both feel safer without throwing in so much gear that the bag sits in a corner unused.

2.     When packing, put items used more often nearer the bag openings.

3.     Don’t forget to make a kit for each member of your family.

4.     Try to ensure you have the essentials to survive 72 hours just on the contents of your kits.

Lessons Learned:

Preplanning is essential to being prepared. But gear alone is not the answer. The more you know and the better you plan and educate yourself the less equipment you can get by on.