Making an Emergency Bug Out Box

Total Time: 1 hour

Yield: 1

Supplies:

• 1 large water resistant tub
• 4 changes of clothing
• 1 pair of shoes
• 2 towels
• toiletries
• medicine
• 4 pairs of undies
• 1 pair of glasses
• 6 paper/pens/scissors
• 2 flashlights/batteries
• 3 trash bags
• 2+ packages of TP/wipes
• 4 days worth of cans/servings of pet food
• people food
• 2 Cases water
• 2 books/cards
• 2 craft projects
• 2 phone/charger/adapter
• cash
• 10 zipper bags
• 2 blankets
• your own pillow
• first aid supplies/kit
• can opener, optional

Steps:

1. There was no supplies photo, as I built it as I went. You can make your own list, and pack in any order. I packed cat food first.

 
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2. I packed a shoe box of undies and socks. A gallon zipper bag holds lotion, eye drops, shampoo/conditioner/brush/soap, dental care, OTC pain meds and sleep aids, paper and pens, charger and adapter. I also got one of those little 3/1.00 mini composition books with passwords, emergency phone numbers and more. I also added a book and for me at least, a small craft project or two to keep me calm.

 

 
3. Next was TP. You only see one, as that was all I had. A towel and washcloth, plastic trash bags (don't scrimp on these). I like that stretchy kind, like the expandable ones. When you need to fill them, tie them in a bow, not a knot. They are easier to get into.

 
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4. I have a close up of the food. I included two cans of soup, one pop top and one regular. I also have canned chicken, peanut butter, corned beef hash, a can opener, and plastic utensils.

 
5. I then went for a towel and washcloth under the shoes, jeans, two warm tops and spare glasses. The last was the spare glasses and meds. NOTE: You can't keep meds in the car for long, so I have a sign on my door that says "Meds/insulin".

 
6. The last step is not something you can't photograph. As much as you can, take cash. Don't keep it in your purse/wallet, but put it in something that looks common place. I love the shortie Pringles cans. They fit in your cup holder, and you can even put it in the glove compartment if you want. And finally, at least 2 cases of water. Split the very tight seals so you don't have to worry about prying that plastic off when you need it.
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7. I learned we never went to the level 3 that most states have of "GO NOW". I paniced and left things that I should, and do, have now in the car. I hope this helps you like it has me.
8. But when your neighbor bangs on your window at 5 am giving you the worng information, you need to KNOW BEFORE YOU GO!

Jess
Silver Post Medal for All Time! 267 Posts

September 22, 20200 found this helpful

"Bug Out" is a term that was probably from World War II. It was used when people needed to evacuate their area due to advancing armies. Today, it is used for any sort of evacuation.

The Bug Out Box is just a collection of useful items in case of an emergency. One of our members recently published the kit she keeps in her trunk, just in case.

www2.thriftyfun.com/.../tf_article.lasso?id=tf95374645

cybergrannie
Gold Feedback Medal for All Time! 949 Feedbacks

September 22, 20200 found this helpful

It seems Bug-out box is an old term that has been 'resurrected' due to some of the emergencies people are facing right now.
I believe it is just an emergency box.

It is just basically a few items in some sort of container in case you are caught in an unusual situation that may require you not being able to return for just basic items - especially meds.

This sort of box/container has been recommended for years to keep in your car in case you get stranded somewhere and these items may save you from freezing or starving while waiting for someone to find you.

I am 87 so I have had something set up in the same line that I have carrying with me for several years. I use what I call a
'grab bag' that has emergency items that I may need if I have an 'accident' while visiting or shopping. This type of bag is along the same lines as a bug out box and has saved me from some of what could have been embarrassing moments.

Pghgirl40
Bronze Feedback Medal for All Time! 196 Feedbacks

September 23, 20201 found this helpful

en.wiktionary.org/.../bug_out

This is a wiki on the term. I have known it all of my life...so it probably came to me from my dad, who probably got it from his dad.

If you are making a kit for a bug out box, be sure to include your medications, paper prescriptions, things for your pet, and anything else you may need if you have to service out if it for several days--like bottled water, prepared foods, and the like. I living in a place that gets bad winters, so the one in my car has extra blankets, a pair of boots that aren't' good enough for every day, but are good in an emergency, flashlight, batteries, and bottled water.

When we made Y2K ones we had candles that were designed to burn for a week, water, lots of prepared foods like cheese crackers, cereal, canned soup, matches, water, and a weeks worth of food for the do and her old blanket.

Everyone's bug out box is different--it is all about what you need G-d forbid you have to bug out fast!