EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

BUGGING OUT AND BUGGING IN

Here are a couple helpful guides for preparing for emergency situations.  At the bottom are links to our friend Jesse Jaymz and the Dangerous Info Podcast with videos and episodes that give prepping tips. Please consider contributing 5-10 bucks to the donate links for the helpful information. We will be expanding and updating this page often with more specific and detailed info to help you be well-prepared for emergencies.

  1. BARE MINIMUM BUG OUT BAG
  2. BIGGER BUG OUT BAG
  3. HUNKER DOWN LIST

WHAT IS A BUG OUT BAG?

A bug out bag (BOB) is a portable kit that contains essential items needed for survival during an emergency or disaster situation. Its purpose is to allow a person to quickly evacuate from an unsafe location to a predetermined safe location and survive independently for at least 72 hours.  It’s not about camping; it’s about staying alive and safe. Although there are some basic elements, there is not one single kit that serves all scenarios. For example, if you are in an urban environment during civil unrest your focus might be more on self defense and items used to coordinate with your team. A rural setting moving on foot might have different needs. Know your setting, environment and intent.

Key Purposes of a Bug Out Bag:

1. Rapid Evacuation: In case of natural disasters (like hurricanes, floods, wildfires), civil unrest, or other emergencies, a bug out bag enables you to leave quickly and have the essentials needed to survive without having to gather supplies on the spot.

2. Self-Sufficiency: The bag is designed to cover basic survival needs, such as:
– Water: Items like water bottles, purification tablets, or portable filters.
– Food: Non-perishable, lightweight food to sustain you for a few days.
– Shelter: Compact options like a tarp, tent, or emergency blankets.
– First Aid: Basic medical supplies for injuries.
-Clothing: Appropriate layers to protect from weather conditions.
– Tools and communication: Multi-tools, knives, fire-starting materials, flashlight, sat phone, walkie-talkie, potable ham radio

3. Adaptability: The bag is designed to adapt to various types of emergencies, from urban evacuations to wilderness survival, and can be personalized to the user’s specific environment and needs.

4. Mental Preparation: Having a BOB can provide peace of mind by knowing that you have a pre-packed kit ready in case of an emergency, reducing panic and allowing you to act decisively.

The overall goal of a bug out bag is to ensure you have the minimum supplies necessary to stay alive and functional during the critical hours or days following a disaster, where access to normal resources may be unavailable.

BARE MINIMUM BUG OUT BAG

Here is a bare minimum (2 pound) Bug Out Kit (u actually get smaller than this, one that will fit in your pocket): You can carry this kit with you wherever you go and always be ready. REMEMBER – it is not enough just to HAVE gear. You must test it and know HOW TO USE IT! It’s not so much about the stuff, but about the skills. The larger the skill-set the smaller the kit has to be.

First: THE BAG

A black backpack with detachable bags and a molle system works well in many situations. (Camo does not blend well in urban environments).  https://a.co/d/iNoDPYT
Waterproof dry bags are also a useful option: https://a.co/d/3whxhfD

  1. Shelter – When outside, shelter is your first priority. A person can survive without food for a month, without water 3 days, but exposure can kill you in less than a few hours.
    1. 50ft Paracord https://a.co/d/cthogUq
    2. Tube Tent https://a.co/d/7ebTWmK
  2. Sleep
    1. Emergency Sleeping Bag https://a.co/d/fvZefov
  3. Fire
    1. Lighter – https://a.co/d/im1ZrWQ or https://a.co/d/dszAgbv
    2. Ferro Rod&Striker https://a.co/d/8q8y1gM
    3. Fire Tinder (Cotton Balls in Petroleum Jelly, or FirePlugs) https://a.co/d/fw8xPc7
  4. Signaling – if you find yourself lost or stranded, signaling could be lifesaving.
    1. Whistle & Mirror https://a.co/d/8abtK49
  5. Bugs
    1. DEET towelettes https://a.co/d/7HDIMKX
    2. DEET-free https://a.co/d/9LOTyZm
  6. Light – Solar is nice but remember, you may not always have sunshine.
    1. Solar flashlight https://a.co/d/8Wmxm34 https://a.co/d/27S7w1L
    2. or Battery Powered https://a.co/d/gK2DFEq
    3. or High-End Military Grade https://a.co/d/1tXzTlf
  7. Water – It helps to bring or find a water battle. A ziploc or other bag, found can or. cup can serve as water containser as well. Use cleanest water available.
    1. Filter Straw https://a.co/d/clVjOpR
    2. Water Purification Tablets https://a.co/d/4FVudxn
    3. One gallon Ziploc bag. https://a.co/d/dvN0QYj
    4. 12”x12” (x3) aluminum foil https://a.co/d/4HtUkEZ
  8. Knife
    1. Fixed blade survival knife https://a.co/d/d8O2E1Q
    2. and/or folding knife https://a.co/d/dgDPu6t
  9. Duct Tape
    1. 3 feet wrapped around water bottle for use https://a.co/d/h3ks2gV
  10. Self Defense – NonLethal https://a.co/d/ayPYQSx
  11. Self Defense –  Lethal a concealable pistol that feels comfortable to you w 2 mags and holster.
  12. Optional: Tourniquet, Shemagh/Mask, compass, fish kit, poncho

BIGGER BUG OUT BAG

  1. Water and Water Purification

– Water Bottles: Lightweight, durable bottles or hydration bladders,

– Water Filter: A portable water filter to purify water from natural sources.

– Purification Tablets: Compact and effective for disinfecting water on the go.

  1. Filter Straw https://a.co/d/clVjOpR
  2. Water Purification Tablets https://a.co/d/4FVudxn
  3. Water bottle https://a.co/d/jiMrrVw
  1. Food – 72hr food supply is typically separate from your bugout bag but you want something that can sustain you until you can reach a more stable place of safety. Survival level is around 1,200 calories/day. Normal is around 2,400/day

– Non-Perishable, High-Energy Foods, Lightweight, calorie-dense foods like: Ration bars, Protein bars, energy bars, and trail mix, Dried fruits, nuts, and seeds, jerky, Dehydrated meals (MREs) and instant noodles, Peanut butter or other nut butters in small, travel-sized packets.

– Cooking Gear: A lightweight camping stove with fuel, a small pot, and a metal cup for cooking and boiling water.

  1. Ration Bars https://a.co/d/eYGkoiL
  2. Freeze Dried Meals https://a.co/d/iiFemyZ
  3. Mess Kit and fuel for burner  https://a.co/d/bOpoDLh     https://a.co/d/7Dgvh8
  1. Shelter and Warmth

– Tarp or Lightweight Tent: compact, weatherproof

– Emergency Blanket: Mylar space blankets for warmth and to retain body heat.

– Sleeping Bag: A lightweight, compact sleeping bag suited for various weather conditions.

– Clothing: Extra clothing that is moisture-wicking, quick-drying, and suitable for layering, including:

  – Thermal underwear, socks, gloves, and a hat.

  – Waterproof jacket and a sturdy pair of walking shoes or boots.

      1. Tube Tent https://a.co/d/7ebTWmK
      2.  Compact Sleeping bag https://a.co/d/gCtOA19
      3. Emergency Sleeping Bag https://a.co/d/fvZefov
      4.  Rain Ponchohttps://a.co/d/2PoCrXY
      5. Gloves https://a.co/d/80haDMb. Extra Durable https://a.co/d/iWhkKYD
      6. Merino Wool Socks https://a.co/d/f8MaXwS
  1. First Aid and Health – There are many options when it comes to First Aid supplies from minor to critical.

– FIRST AID KIT: Compact kit with essentials like bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, tweezers, and any necessary medications; TRAUMA KIT ( bleedstop, torniquet, butterfly strips or stitch kit).

– Hygiene Supplies: Travel-sized hand sanitizer, Female needs, soap, wet wipes, toothbrush, and toothpaste

– Prescriptions: At least a week’s supply of any essential medications.

  1. First Aid Kit https://a.co/d/3JNRw4m
  2. Trauma Kit https://a.co/d/fc71LWc
  3. Bleed Stop https://a.co/d/fnpcowh
  4. Tourniquet https://a.co/d/fyrfYU6
  5. Closures https://a.co/d/81yjj3t
  1. Navigation and Communication – Primary focus of your comms is with your team not across the country.

– Map and Compass: Physical map of the area and a compass, as GPS may not always be reliable.

– Multi-Tool: A versatile multi-tool or knife for cutting, repairs, and other survival tasks.

– Whistle and mirror: For signaling in emergencies.

– Light: Compact, durable flashlight with extra batteries, or a solar-powered/crank flashlight, chem lights

-Machete, Axe or options but you want to be lightweight so knife and wire saw are best.

  1. Wire Saw https://a.co/d/afaQus2 
  2.  Multitool https://a.co/d/3ZMgufO
  3. Signal https://a.co/d/73EHVQN
  4. Flashlight https://a.co/d/3l6yWse
  5. Walkie Talkies https://a.co/d/742GWjQ
  6. Compass https://a.co/d/8oBApDM
  7. Chem Light https://a.co/d/h8voD7P   IR https://a.co/d/hk6u4Po

 6. Fire Starting Tools

– Lighters and Matches: handful of disposable bic lighters

– Firestarter: Ferro rod or magnesium fire starter for reliable fire-making in various conditions (in case you lose all your disposable lighters).

– Tinder: Packaged tinder or cotton balls soaked in petroleum jelly for quick fire-starting.

  1. Fire Plugshttps://a.co/d/2Y0ctKd
  2.  Fire starter rod https://a.co/d/4jxYhhW
  1. Protection and Safety

– Pepper Spray: For personal protection against animals or threats.

– Cordage: Paracord or strong rope for building shelter, securing gear, or other uses.

– Duct Tape: A small roll of duct tape for repairs and multiple uses.

– Face Covering: N95, Shemagh, Gas mask for dust, debris, or smoke etc.

-Some ammo for the pistol you are carrying.

  1. Side canister Gas Mask https://parcilsafety.com/collections/defense-collection/products/nb-100-tactical-gas-mask-full-face-respirator-with-40mm-defense-filter
  2. Shemagh https://a.co/d/g6Itjd2
  3. Pepper Spray https://a.co/d/2iQxyGq
  4. Paracord https://a.co/d/aKOx04f
  1. Cooking and Eating

-Compact Stove with fuel for cooking when fire-making isn’t possible is an option but remember you want to be lightweight. Bugout is not a camping trip.

-Fishing kit

– Utensils: Collapsible or lightweight eating utensils and a metal cup or small pot, titanium cantene

  1. Mess Kit https://a.co/d/bvEzVIF
  2.  Titanium Canteen Kit https://a.co/d/24VlOoQ
  3. Fishing Kit https://a.co/d/g4p9HAJ
  1. Cash and Important Documents

– Cash: Small denominations of cash in a waterproof bag.

– Identification: Copies of ID, medical information, and emergency contacts in a waterproof container.

  1. Miscellaneous Useful Items

– Backpack: The bag itself. A durable, weather-resistant backpack to carry all essentials comfortably.

– Binoculars: Compact binoculars for scouting terrain and potential threats.

– Notepad and Pencil: For notes, communication, or keeping a log of movements and plans.

HUNKER DOWN LIST

It is more likely that you’ll have to “bug in” or hunker down at your own home. Here is a simple guide to begin preparing to sustain yourself at home through an emergency. Much of it fits into the same categories of bugging out. This is a basic list. You must asses your own situation and then test. Recommendation: Turn of your power for a weekend and test your preparedness.

  1. Water

– Water Storage: At least 1 gallon per person per day for drinking, cooking, and basic hygiene (minimum 30 gallons per person for 30 days). 5 gallon buckets. 15 gallon drums or larger. Rain-catcher buckets. Hand pump attachment.

– Water Purification: Water filters/straws, purification tablets, or bleach to make additional water sources safe to drink.

  1. Food

– Non-Perishable Foods: Focus on calorie-dense and nutrient-rich foods with a long shelf life. Examples include:

  – Canned goods (vegetables, beans, soups, meats). Protein bars. Can opener.

  – Dried grains (wild rice, pasta, oats, lentils. quinoa) Wheat berries and grinder. Can store in 5-gallon food grade buckets.

  – Canned or dried protein sources (tuna, beans, lentils), Peanut butter, nuts, seeds

  – Powdered milk or plant-based milk alternatives

  – Freeze-dried or dehydrated foods

  – Cooking oils (olive oil, coconut oil). Lard. Yeast.

  – Honey, sugar (honey is best and has medicinal uses)

– Cooking Supplies: A portable stove (camping stove/rocket stove), matches, lighters, and a stock of fuel.

  1. First Aid and Medicine

– First Aid Kit: Bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, medical tape, gauze, tweezers, scissors, peroxide, super glue. butterfly strips, bleed clot.

– Medications: A 30-day supply of any necessary prescription medications. liquid Benadryl & Sudafed, baking soda

– Basic Medicine: Over-the-counter medications for pain, allergies, digestive issues, and wound care supplies, personal glasses.

  1. Hygiene Supplies

– Soap: Hand soap, body soap, or multipurpose soap.

– Sanitation: Toilet paper, wet wipes, and hand sanitizer. Solar shower.

– Personal Care: Toothpaste, toothbrushes, feminine hygiene products, and razors (straight razor).

– Waste Management: Heavy-duty trash bags, plastic grocery bags for toilet waste if plumbing becomes inoperative.

  1. Light and Heat Sources

– Lighting: Flashlights, candles, battery-powered lanterns, and plenty of spare batteries.

– Heat: Warm blankets, sleeping bags, hand warmers, and layered clothing. A small indoor-safe propane heater (with caution for ventilation) could be helpful if heating is unavailable.

-Generator (solar/gas). Heavy Extension cords. Cord junction covers. Electrical tape. Wall hangers to keep cords off the floor.

-Fuel: 20-30 gallons of gas or more. Run generator sparingly (not around the clock).

  1. Tools and Supplies

– Multi-tool and knives for various tasks. Machete. Axe. Chainsaw

– Duct Tape. Ziplock bags.

– Cooking Utensils: Basic utensils, a manual can opener, pots, and pans for cooking on a portable stove.

– Water Containers: Jugs or containers to store and transport water. 5-gallon buckets. Bathtub.

– Fire Extinguisher

  1. Communication

– Radio: A battery-powered or hand-crank radio to receive emergency updates. HAM radio.

– Spare Batteries: For flashlights, radios, and other essential electronic devices.

  1. Emergency Documents

– Important Documents: Copies of identification, medical records, insurance policies, and emergency contact information in a waterproof container.

  1. Entertainment

– Books, Games, Puzzles: Items to keep the mind occupied and reduce stress during extended periods indoors.

  1. Cash and Barter Items

– Cash: Small denominations of cash in case electronic payments are unavailable.

– Barter Items: Extra consumables like coffee, cigarettes, alcohol, lumber, ammo and hygiene supplies that could be valuable for trade.

Preparedness Videos and Podcasts

Jesse, Outcast and JC