Emergency Bags and Kit Builder Checklist

Bug Out Bags and Emergency Kits

A bug-out bag or BOB is a portable kit that normally contains the items one would require to survive for 72 hours when evacuating from a disaster area, although some kits are designed to last longer periods. Other names for such a bag are a 72-hour kit, battle box, grab bag, go bag, GOOD bag (get out of Dodge), INCH bag (I'm never coming home), personal emergency relocation kit (PERK), or quick run bag (QRB). The focus is on evacuation, rather than long-term survival, distinguishing the bug-out bag from a survival kit, an aviation or a boating emergency kit, or a fixed-site disaster supplies kit. The primary purpose of a bug-out bag is to allow one to evacuate quickly if a disaster should strike.

It is a good idea to gather into a single place all of the materials and supplies that might be required to do this, such as a bag or a few storage containers. The recommendation that a bug-out bag contains enough supplies for 72 hours arises from advice from organizations responsible for disaster relief and management that it may take them up to 72 hours to reach people affected by a disaster and offer help. 

The bag's contents may vary according to the region of the user, as someone evacuating from the path of a hurricane may have different supplies from someone who lives in an area prone to blizzards, earthquakes, or wildfires. In addition to allowing one to survive a disaster evacuation, a bug-out bag can also be used when sheltering in place as a response to emergencies such as blackouts, house fires, tornados, and other severe natural disasters.

Gathering supplies and equipment for your bag should not be hard. I have put together an easy checklist to help you get started. An important note is to set some sort of reminder to check the contents of the bag regularly for expired items and replace them. Lastly, practice with your kit.

Let's get packing!