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Is your family prepared for any emergency or crisis? Whether it's a natural disaster or an emergency, being prepared can make all the difference. The concept of bug out bags originated from military use, where soldiers were equipped with a small backpack filled with basic necessities to help them survive should they need to quickly evacuate.
More recently, this idea has been adopted by civilians as well, especially those who want to be prepared for any unexpected situations such as natural disasters, power outages, or civil unrest.
Being prepared for unexpected emergencies or disasters is important to keep your family safe. One essential item that all families should have at the ready is a family bug out bag.
Also known as an emergency or go-bag, a family bug out bag is an easily accessible kit filled with essential items that can help your family survive in the event of an emergency evacuation or crisis.
Not convinced that a family go bag is important? Here are a few reasons why every family should always have one at the ready.
Now that we’ve gone over the reasons why you should have a family bug out bag, you may be asking what should be in the bag itself. A good family bug-out bag will include essential items that will help you and your family for at least 72 hours. Here are several things you should consider when packing your family bug out bag:
Number of Family Members: Obviously the larger your family, the more supplies you will need. It is also important to make sure that all individual needs are met, such as medicine or diapers.
Duration of Stay: Families also need to consider the duration of stay when packing their go bags. If you live in an area prone to natural disasters such as hurricanes or earthquakes, it's important to pack enough supplies for up to two weeks as it may take some time before relief efforts can reach you.
Location: The location where your family plans on evacuating plays a crucial role in determining what items should be included in the bug out bag. If you live near a body of water, have items useful in the event of a water evacuation – such as life jackets.
If you’ll be going to a shelter, keep in mind that necessary items may be in short supply. Are you going to stay with a family member? Make sure you pack items (such as clothes) that are appropriate – shorts and snow don’t get along!
Depending on the needs of each family member and their abilities will greatly affect which go bag you buy and how you pack your supplies. Ideally, everyone in the family should have their own go bag with enough space to carry their personal items along with some shared emergency supplies. If you have young children in your family this may not be feasible.
Divide the essential items into categories such as food, water, first aid, hygiene products, medical, clothes and shelter. This will help ensure you have everything you need. If you have young children, task them with packing comfort items such as toys or stuffed animals.
Obviously, your family bug out bag items should reflect the number of family members you have. A two person bug out bag isn’t going to carry enough supplies for a family of four. It is also important to consider the individual needs and abilities of each family member. What you pack can vary greatly depending on age and medical needs.
Obviously a two person bug out bag is just that…a bug out bag with enough supplies to last a family of two for 72-hours. The goal is to pack necessary supplies, while keeping the weight manageable for both individuals to carry comfortably. With two family members, your bug out bag can be smaller in size.
A 3 person bug out bag includes enough supplies for the three of you to survive for at least 72-hours. Since you’ll be carrying more supplies, it’s important that you buy a larger bug-out bag. Carrying enough for three people may expand your bug out bag past its ability or make it difficult to carry. Depending on the age of your family members, consider packing a second smaller bag for items that don’t take up as much space.
A 4 person bug out bag is where things start to change. Unless you have very young children, when you have a family of four, it’s going to be hard to carry enough supplies for all of you in a single bag – or even in two bags. So now is the time to consider buying individual bags suitable to the needs and ability of each member of your family.
It is important to sit down as a family and decide what everyone should have in their individual bag to ensure that you have everything you need in the event of an emergency. Consider having each family member practice carrying their individual bag to ensure they will be able to do so in the event of an emergency.
Carrying enough supplies for a family of five is going to require multiple bags, regardless of the age of your family members. Therefore you’ll have to pack multiple bags, ideally one per person to ensure you have the quantity of supplies you need to survive for at least 72-hours. A 5 person bug out bag will likely include multiples of everything, so we highly recommend starting with a list and then determining how to break the list up based on ages of your family.
So now that we’ve hopefully convinced you that having a family bug out bag packed is important for the health and safety of your family, you may be wondering what bug out bag family items you need to have packed. We’ve got you covered.
The most crucial element for survival is access to clean drinking water. As a general rule, one person requires at least one gallon of water per day. Consider a reusable, possibly collapsible, water bottle or water pouch.
Pack non-perishable food items such as energy bars, canned goods, dried fruit, nuts and other high calorie foods that do not require cooking or refrigeration.
A well-stocked first aid kit can make all the difference. Make sure it includes bandages, gauze pads, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, scissors, tweezers, and any necessary prescription medications for each family member.
Unfortunately things can go off the rails in times of an emergency, so it’s important to have a way to always defend and protect your family. If you have a concealed carry permit, make sure you have a safe way to store and carry your firearm. Having body armor in your bug out bag can also provide protection if things go south.
Have at least one change of clothes for each family member. Choose clothing that you can layer easily according to the weather conditions in your area that don’t add too much weight to your bug out bag. Don't forget to pack extra socks and underwear as well.
You may not always have access to safe shelter immediately. It is essential to include survival gear that can help provide temporary shelter such as a tent or tarp with ropes and stakes. If possible, pack lightweight camping gear like sleeping bags or blankets for added comfort.
While many of us now rely on a GPS or our phones to navigate it is important to remember that you may not have GPS or cell phone service in times of emergency. Make sure you have a current foldable map in your bag.
It’s not uncommon to lose power during an emergency situation. Make sure to pack flashlights, batteries and if possible, a portable power source. Having survival tools that can help you start a fire can also provide light and warmth if you aren't able to find shelter.
A multi-tool serves as a compact and versatile option instead of carrying individual tools separately. It usually features pliers, knives, screwdrivers, scissors, can openers and more – making it a must-have item in your bug out bag.
Don’t forget, you may also need a way to light a fire. Make sure you pack a fire starter. Matches are not always reliable.
If you or anyone in your family relies on prescription drugs, it is vital to have an adequate supply packed, as access may be limited for a period of time. Also make sure to pack over the counter pain relievers.
Make sure you take important documents, such as passports, birth certificates, insurance information and family photos.
When packing the best bug out bag for family there are several additional items to consider if you have toddlers or infants, or if there is a possibility you won't return home for a long while.
Toys and Comfort Items
Emergency situations can be particularly stressful for young children. Having a favorite toy, book or other comfort item can help alleviate anxiety and keep them occupied.
Formula/Bottles
In some emergency situations, quantities of vital items may be hard to find. This could be a result of interrupted delivery routes, power outages or, even in some cases unsafe products. If you’re still breastfeeding, make sure you have extra formula that doesn’t require refrigeration just in case.
Extra Clothing
While you should have a change of clothes packed in any bug out bag, it is a good idea to have extra clothes in a family bug out bag.
Diapers
Just like formula and bottles, it may be difficult to find diapers, particularly if you are gone from home for an extended period. Don’t forget to pack wipes as well.
Family Photos
It won’t be possible to pack every family photo but having a few can not only bring comfort to everyone, they may be the only one’s you’ll have moving forward.
Like any bug out bag, it is important to organize your items to make them easier to find. Preferably the bug out bag you choose will have compartments that make organizing easier.
Make sure your most used items are easily accessible. This will negate the need to unpack your entire family bug out bag to retrieve a single item. If you live in an area prone to flooding, make sure your items are protected. Use zip-lock bags to help prevent your items from becoming waterlogged.
In a world full of uncertainty, one thing is for certain – family comes first. Taking time to properly plan for an emergency and pack a family bug out bag may mean all the difference in the world. Ideally, you’ll never be in such a situation, but just like carrying an umbrella to ward off the rain, it’s always a good idea to be prepared.
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