* Ease your peace of mind by being prepared
* Natural disasters and emergencies can strike at any time
* Be prepared with in-home supplies and a portable Bug-Out Bag
It’s important for each household to be prepared for a natural disaster, whether it be a hurricane, earthquake or flood. Keeping an extra supply of water, flashlights, batteries and non-perishable food in your closet is essential–but what if you need to evacuate your home if an emergency strikes?
Enter the bug-out bag or BOB for short. Designed to help you survive for 72 hours while evacuating during an emergency event, bug-out bags should be as lightweight and portable as possible. The contents for each personal BOB will vary depending on the region you live in, but we’ve rounded up some universal items to get your survival kit started.
1. First Aid Kit
Having a first aid kit is a given for disaster survival, but lugging around a giant tin box of medical supplies isn’t really a practical solution when escaping in a pinch. This miniature-sized kit contains 27 essentials for sanitizing and wound care. The metal tin holder is also crush-resistant, making it an ideal option for stowing in your backpack.
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2. Water Sanitation Tablets
If filtered water isn’t available, you’ll need to sanitize any water source that you can find. Dehydration is one of the most pressing concerns when it comes to survival, and this will help prevent water borne illness by purifying the water in about thirty minutes. These tablets are used by everyone from FEMA to the Red Cross.
3. Collapsible Water Container
This lightweight option holds about 1 liter of water and once finished, it easily collapses into a foldable, pocket-sized container for space-saving storage.
4. Emergency Blanket
This waterproof survival blanket reflects 90% of your body heat to help you stay warm using metalized heatsheets. It also is equipped with emergency survival instructions printed directly on top of the blanket to help you make it through.
5. Fire Starting Kit
Starting a fire is an essential way to keep warm, prepare food, and keep yourself visible to rescuers and emergency responders. This pocket-sized kit contains the supplies you need to start a fire without the added bulk and weight of full-sized fire-starters.
6. Solar Hand-crank Radio/Charger
Communication devices can be a lifesaver when it comes to life or death scenarios. This solar-powered emergency radio doesn’t require batteries, and it’s got a built-in USB port for charging your phone, a flashlight, blinker, and siren.
7. LED Lanterns
Portable lighting is essential for survival whether you’re outdoors or stuck in your home. The set contains four lightweight LED lanterns, each designed with military-grade plastic and a collapsible design to save space and keep your bag lightweight.
8. Bug Out Backpack
In order to carry your emergency prep essentials, you’ll need something to hold them in comfortably and securely. This military-style backpack is designed to keep you going during a three-day excursion, regardless of the terrain you’re up against. It includes a built-in BPA free hydration bladder with hose, so you can stay hydrated without stopping.
9. Multi-Functional Tool
This MUT tool is a serious multi-tasker. It contains 16 different tools in one portable and easy-to-grip design. It includes everything you’ll need from a can opener to wire cutters, and even a saw. The thoughtful design also allows for one-handed use for situations when you need to keep a hand free.
10. Food for Health Emergency Survival Food Supply
Don’t get caught hungry when disaster strikes. This weather proof bucket provides a 20 year shelf life to the 275 meals it contains, including cheesy rice casserole, veggie alfredo, hearty potato soup, Italian tomato pasta, black bean burger, tortilla soup, multigrain cereal, brown sugar oatmeal, non-fat milk and instant orange drink.
11. LifeStraw Personal Water Filter
The LifeStraw is a great addition to any kit, because it’s a water filter that’s able to clear out 99.99% of bacteria and can still fit in your pocket. Plus, you don’t have to worry about replacing batteries or annoying spare parts.
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