Monday, December 10, 2012

Basic 72-Hour Kits / Bug Out Bags


So I keep hearing "I know I need to get a 72-hour kit, I just don't have the money to start."  This is a very poor excuse and will end up biting you in the rear when a disaster hits.  Look at NYC last month when Hurricane Sandy hit.  Disasters can strike at any time.


So I have put together a list of the most BASIC 72-Hour Kit / Bug Out Bag items.  This kit is probably the most important piece of survival supplies you could own.  I have prepared two list.  The first I consider the main essentials.  Most of the items can be located around the home.  So start collecting and put them together.  Remember to put a bag together for each member of the family.

Also, look through and update your kits every six months.. put i on your calendar so you don't forget.  Your main items to update would be medications, batteries, expired food of water, clothing.


BARE BONES BASIC 72-HOUR KIT / BUG OUT BAG

- Backpack (you need a place to put all your goodies)
- Bag Identifier (find something to distinguish the different bags, colors, bandannas)
- Water (at least 4 liters per person)
- Food (3 day supply per person.  You need foods that don't need to be refrigerated or cooked. Some examples: 3600 calorie meal bar, protein/granola bars, trail mix/dried fruit, crackers/cereals (for munching), canned tuna, beans, meat, Vienna sausages.  Try to stay away from pop-top lids, they can leak.  Jerky is good, but the flavor can also mix with everything else.  Unless you don't mind chewing jerky flavored gum.)
- Baby Formula (if necessary)
- 1 liter Water Container
- Water purification tablets / Drops
- Hard Candy/Gum (Jolly ranchers, mints, LifeSavers)
- Change of Clothing (short  & long sleeve shirts, pants, socks, jackets, undergarments)
- Rain Coat / Pancho
- Flashlights (I like headlamps because its leaves my hands free)
- Candles / Glow Stick (It's always good to have a second source of light so you don't waste your batteries.  Candles can also supply heat.)
- Lighter / Water Proof Matches
- Fire starting materials (magnesium stick, cotton balls, dryer lint, petroleum jelly)
- Small Radio
- Batteries for radio and flashlight
- Pocket knife / survival knife
- Multi-tool
- Safety whistle
- Duct Tape
- Rope (550 cord is probably the best.  Its super light, and super strong)
- First Aid Supplies
- Sun block
- Hand Sanitizes
- Toiletries / Hygiene Products (tooth brush, paste, deorderant, soap, toilet paper, feminine products, brush, hair ties)
- Medications (prescriptions, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, anti-diarrhea
- Extra pair of glasses
- Cash
- Pen and Paper
- Copies of important documents in water-proof container (ID's, insurance cards, birth certificates, marriage certificates, passports, immunizations, church records, list of phone numbers)
- Garbage bag
- Ziploc bags
- Toys for small kids
- Poker cards or other Card Games for teenagers and adults

SOME MORE ITEMS TO ADD AFTER YOU GET THE BASICS

- Camping Axe
- Folding Shovel
- Weapon (if you pack a firearm, make sure to pack extra ammunition)
- Magnesium stick
- Fried dried meals / MRE's
- Canned Juice
- Utensils
- Cooking / Mesh Kits
- Can Opener
- Boy Scout cooking stove
- Tarp / Mini Tube Tent
- Fishing lures and line
- Bug repellent
- Maps
- Iodine Tablets

IN ADDITION TO YOUR 72-HOUR KITS / BUG OUT BAGS, KEEP THESE CLOSE BY

- Sleeping Bags
- Sleeping Bags
- Pillow