There may a come a time in a disaster when no matter how much care you've dedicated to fortifying your home and stockpiling supplies you may need to leave it all behind and just get the heck out — or “bug out” in disaster parlance. In that case, you'll want to grab whatever few essentials you'll need on the road, and fast. Which is where the bug-out bag comes into play. To create bug-out bags simply stuff a backpack for each family member with the items on the following list, and store them with the rest of your supplies. Also get in the habit of storing your family's sleeping bags nearby, along with a handful of other items that could be useful on the road, such as a couple of small tube tents, a leash and small bag of pet food. That way, the entire family can sling their bug-out bags over their shoulders, help grab the med kit, vital financial records box, tents, and sleeping bags, and just go.
Think of your car bug-out kit as a very mini, car-based version of your usual basement stockpile, for those times when your family is stranded on the road. It should include the following items. If you own a pick-up, a metal lockbox would be the perfect place to store it; if not, any sort of metal or plastic container will do.
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Need a paper copy of the checklist? Simple print the checklist and take it with you anywhere. Alternatively you can print just the items left on your list.
