Fires and other natural disasters will force you out of your home and away from the neighborhood. Floods will be the same thing. This would also be true of the man made types of disasters, such as invasion by foreign countries and or the melting down of a power plant, locally. This means you will not have the comfort and material support of your home and planning for this will require you to gather bug out bag supplies to help you survive.
The stuff you need to place in a position to take when you need it are those items for basic survival. That would mean water. The average person needs approximately one gallon per day. More if the temperature is hot or if a lot of exertion is going to be necessary to escape and live. If you honestly believe you will be able to locate water, sometime in the next three days, purification pills should be packed.
Food is necessary as a second consideration. Do not even consider perishables as they will not last much past the first day. Cans of food are probably the best as they will handle the trip, although they get heavy. Make sure you pack a can opener. Any cans you pack will later serve as a way to cook other food if you keep them clean and dry. Dehydrated foods are available and very nutritious. Protean bars are useful and kids actually like their taste. Pack any medications your party needs.
A shelter, of some kind, will be crucial if you are away from the house for a few days. This will provide covering for your family and staying dry is necessary for long term survival. Thick plastic sheeting is one thing to consider, but so is a standard canvass tarp. Either one of these can be strung up or draped over a bush for a neat little house away from home.
A hand crank flashlight is the best way to provide illumination and a hand crank radio will keep you informed about what is happening around you. Do not concern yourself with any other electronics, such as smart phones or laptops as the signal may not be receivable where you are.
You will need some way to build a fire. Matches are good for this, of course, however, they need to be contained in a water proof pouch or tin. A flint and striker system works while wet which would make this a better all purpose choice.
Creating a fire pit will be easier with a shovel and you will also need this for other functions. Make sure to bring plenty of toilet paper and paper of other forms. Cooking will consist of trial and error tactics that may include creating a stove from a couple of cans, setting on top of each other.
Depending on the number of people in your party, this bag may consist of a large back pack or several bags. Spread the weight around to everyone who can carry it. In the best situation, ensure each person has their own water and food.
The stuff you need to place in a position to take when you need it are those items for basic survival. That would mean water. The average person needs approximately one gallon per day. More if the temperature is hot or if a lot of exertion is going to be necessary to escape and live. If you honestly believe you will be able to locate water, sometime in the next three days, purification pills should be packed.
Food is necessary as a second consideration. Do not even consider perishables as they will not last much past the first day. Cans of food are probably the best as they will handle the trip, although they get heavy. Make sure you pack a can opener. Any cans you pack will later serve as a way to cook other food if you keep them clean and dry. Dehydrated foods are available and very nutritious. Protean bars are useful and kids actually like their taste. Pack any medications your party needs.
A shelter, of some kind, will be crucial if you are away from the house for a few days. This will provide covering for your family and staying dry is necessary for long term survival. Thick plastic sheeting is one thing to consider, but so is a standard canvass tarp. Either one of these can be strung up or draped over a bush for a neat little house away from home.
A hand crank flashlight is the best way to provide illumination and a hand crank radio will keep you informed about what is happening around you. Do not concern yourself with any other electronics, such as smart phones or laptops as the signal may not be receivable where you are.
You will need some way to build a fire. Matches are good for this, of course, however, they need to be contained in a water proof pouch or tin. A flint and striker system works while wet which would make this a better all purpose choice.
Creating a fire pit will be easier with a shovel and you will also need this for other functions. Make sure to bring plenty of toilet paper and paper of other forms. Cooking will consist of trial and error tactics that may include creating a stove from a couple of cans, setting on top of each other.
Depending on the number of people in your party, this bag may consist of a large back pack or several bags. Spread the weight around to everyone who can carry it. In the best situation, ensure each person has their own water and food.