Recent months have demonstrated, through a series of unprecedented hurricanes, that being ready for the worst is essential, even when it seems unlikely. However, when a significant storm or adverse weather event is on the horizon, it’s normal to feel a sense of urgency and stress. What should you pack for evacuation? What essentials are necessary to stay put? This is why having a bug-out bag prepped for your family (perhaps more than one, based on your household size) can be invaluable.
Curious about how to assemble your family’s disaster supply kit without going over budget? You can approach this gradually. Every time you make a purchase through Amazon or visit a grocery store, add one or two items from your bug-out bag checklist. This way, you won’t feel as though you’ve spent a significant amount of money all at once just to store the items away for an undefined period.
Preparing a bug-out bag can provide much-needed assurance for those residing in areas prone to severe weather events such as hurricanes, tornadoes, or flash floods. The comfort of knowing you can quickly grab your bags and evacuate with necessary supplies is far preferable to the scramble that often occurs in the days before a storm. It’s crucial to begin with the basics: food and water.
0172 Hours’ Worth Of Nonperishable Food
Experts in emergency preparedness typically recommend stocking enough food for 72 hours, which should be sufficient until power is restored or until you can safely evacuate the affected area. According to Ready.gov, a U.S. government resource, here are recommended food items for your kit:
- Shelf-stable (doesn’t require refrigeration), low in sodium, and no cooking needed (e.g., canned and dried fruits, granola bars, nutritional bars, peanut butter, jam, jelly, honey)
- Canned and dried fruits and vegetables
- Low-sodium crackers, such as Ritz, graham crackers, or animal cookies
- Cereals, packaged oatmeal
- Breakfast bars
- Peanut butter, jelly, or honey
- Nuts
- Canned soups, like Lipton and Knorr noodle varieties
- Canned meats such as tuna, chicken, salmon, or sardines
- Powdered milk, cocoa mix, instant coffee, or other dry beverage options
- Krusteaz instant pancake mix, Jiffy muffin mix, or Bisquick
- Sugar, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and bouillon cubes
Note: If you include canned goods, ensure you pack a small can opener! Camping cookware can also come in handy. If you wish to start packing food into your emergency bag, store edible items in airtight, pest-resistant containers and keep them in a cool, dark location.
02The Same Amount Of Water & Supplies To Clean More
Should your water supply become disrupted or contaminated, it’s wise to have enough clean drinking water for three days. FEMA and the Red Cross advise maintaining a gallon of water per person per day at home. If carrying that much isn’t feasible (and who can?), Ready.gov suggests keeping portable water filtration devices or straws in your emergency bag. The LifeStraw has received over 117,000 reviews on Amazon and boasts a 4.8-star rating.
03Cash
In the event of a power outage, credit and debit cards might not be useful. Keep cash in various denominations in your bag to ensure you can purchase necessities as required.
04A First Aid Kit
A basic kit that includes the essentials will suffice. This type of kit typically has everything necessary to treat minor cuts and scrapes securely stored in a hard case to prevent damage or contamination.
05Power Banks
You’ll likely need to recharge your phone or other devices, making a solar-powered power bank essential. This kind often doubles as a flashlight and comes with built-in cords, so you’re not scrambling in the dark to connect cords when needed.
06Flashlight & Batteries
If you include a battery-operated flashlight in your kit, be sure to pack some extra AA batteries. Alternatively, you may consider a small, powerful rechargeable flashlight to avoid the weight of carrying batteries. Numerous options are available on Amazon. Ensure that the flashlight you select is compatible with the ports on your power bank to prevent issues during emergencies.
07Important Documents, Ideally In A Dry Bag
Gather crucial documents such as home insurance policies, Social Security cards, and birth certificates before a storm strikes. Getting replacements can be a hassle, and you likely have irreplaceable items like photos or letters. Organize these papers in a waterproof pouch and place it in your emergency bag.
08A Hand Crank Radio
A lightweight hand-crank radio can keep you updated on weather conditions, regardless of how long the power remains out. Opt for one endorsed by the American Red Cross to maximize reliability when it counts.
09Basic Hygiene Supplies
Rather than overpacking on multiple chapsticks, focus on essentials like toilet paper, wipes, travel-sized toothpaste, and a toothbrush for each family member. Don’t forget tampons or pads; if you find yourself menstruating during an emergency, you’ll be grateful you planned ahead.
10Pet Food, Meds, & An Extra Collar With Leash
When you need to evacuate quickly, the last thing you want is to scramble for your pet’s leash or carrier. Keep all necessary items for transporting your pet in your bag along with a spare collar and leash in case the primary set fails.
Don’t forget to include food, water, and any required medications for your pets.
11Sleeping Bags Or Emergency Blankets
If you have sleeping bags for the entire family, that’s perfect! If not, or if you’re looking for something more compact to fit in your already filled go-bag, consider emergency mylar blankets that are significantly thinner and easier to pack.
Bonus points for being incredibly budget-friendly.
12Essential Prescription Medications & OTC Supplies
After a natural disaster, it’s advisable to have medications on hand. Pain relievers are a must, and don’t forget Tums and antidiarrheals—especially if you’re relying on powdered soup mix. A travel pill organizer can help you keep your medications neat without hauling bulky bottles.
Obtaining prescription medications in advance can be challenging, so when a storm approaches, it’s wise to gather your meds in a compact bag and keep it near your emergency kit. While it may not be feasible to store a large supply of over-the-counter drugs like Advil, having easy access to your prescriptions during an emergency is crucial.
13Change of Clothes for Each Individual
Thinking ahead to a 72-hour situation, consider that everyone will appreciate having a fresh pair of underwear and more. Just one extra outfit per person is sufficient without adding too much weight to your load.
14A Backpack for All Your Gear
Bug-out bag enthusiasts on Reddit—not sure how they gather such knowledge, but they certainly seem informed—advise waiting to purchase your backpack until you have all your gear in mind. This approach will help you select a bag that meets your specific needs and accommodates your supplies. In the meantime, any old suitcase, duffel bag, sturdy storage container, or even a wheeled cooler can suffice.
Check local thrift stores, especially those that specialize in outdoor gear, for hiking backpacks. Packs designed for long-distance hikes tend to offer ample space and comfort. You might find an excellent bug-out bag at a bargain price. There are also budget-friendly options with good reviews available, such as one that includes a rain cover to protect your gear from moisture.
15Essential Items for Problem Solving
Having a tarp is useless if you lack tools to secure or attach it. And what do you do if your bag tears, causing your neatly organized supplies to spill out? Set aside a small pouch filled with items that can enhance the functionality of your gear, such as:
- Zip ties
- Duct tape
- Fishing line
- A needle and thread
- Matches or a lighter
- Scissors
- Safety pins
- Super glue
- Bungee cords
- Parachute cord
16What Should I Include in a Bug-Out Bag for Kids?
If your child is old enough to handle a backpack, you can equip it with essentials like a headlamp, water bottle, blanket, food, and more. Don’t forget to include a whistle and glow sticks so they are easy to spot, and creating a laminated card with emergency contact numbers for them can be very helpful. Small comfort items are also recommended, if space allows.
As you compile everything necessary for your family’s bug-out bags, hopefully, it offers some reassurance that your loved ones will be prepared for any situation.
Image Source: David Pereiras / Shutterstock
