Bug Out Bag (72hr Pack) & Plan
AIM: To create a bag of vitally important items that can be used for survival for up to 72 hours and is prepared for an emergency escape. To have an escape plan to exit your residence with your survival bag.
OVERVIEW: If things go South fast and you need to get out of your house for a short period of time, it’s critical you don’t leave empty handed. Having a ready go bag/pack of vitally important resources such as water, food, shelter, protection wear, tools and plans is key to survival.
One simple solution is to create a “bug out bag” that has the key items you need to survive for up to 72 hours. It will be packed and ready to go at a moments notice so that you can avoid challenging situations and buy yourself time to assess and formulate a more permanent plan.
ACTIONS:
- Use the checklist and links to help you source items and build your bug out bag.
- Then follow the steps to prepare your escape plan.
PREREQUISITES: The below check list is a guide toward the items that are recommended for your bag. These items will need to be sourced in advance, packed in the bag and places in a safe but accessible location.
Checklist of Steps
Below are items recommended for your bug out bag.
- Item 1: Bag – It’s recommended you find a light weight, easy to carry and stow back pack. Ideally waterproof and with plenty of pockets. If possible a camouflage pattern is best if needing to retreat in the bush or hide your bag for a period of time among plants.
- Item 2: Have a small amount of cash/money set aside in the bag, enough to buy food/water and possibly pay for shelter for a few days. Conceal this in the bag safely.
- Item 3: Water bottle 1-2 600ml water bottles, enough to last 1 day with conservative drinking.
- Item 4: Water Filter (Life Straw Type) – <LINK TO COME>
- Item 5: Dry food – Bags of nuts, dried fruit and vegi snacks, muesli bars are all good sources of food for a short time. You goal is high energy, dense and nutritional foods. A more complete list of items can be found HERE.
- Item 6: Space blanket – For keeping warm and dry something to wrap around you if you’re still for a time or exposed to the elements. Thick Garbage bags (2+ are good substitutes).
- Item 7: Small portable umbrella. Great to keeping the rain off but also concealing yourself if moving around in high surveillance areas.
- Item 8: In this current climate a face mask is a good idea. Again it can conceal your identify somewhat and is not suspicious presently. Caps and hats are also important for both sun protection and identify concealment.
- Item 9: Basic first aid kit (light weight, small, essentials only)
- Item 10: Tissues/Wipes/Sanitation
- Item 11: Torch with charged batteries (Try go LED and light weight)
- Item 12: Para or hoochie cord (from Depo store or camping store)
- Item 13: Sun block and insect repellent
- Item 14: Mini-foldable shopping bag
- Item 15: Pocket Knife and Utensil set (to open cans and eat) & Bowl
- Item 16: Tight weave sarong or blanket, light weight from camping store
- Item 17: Pillow case/slip, folded
- Item 18: ID/wallet included at last minute in the pack
- Item 19: EMF Pouch/satchel to hold phone and emitting devices
- Item 20: Solar Charger for devices (at minimum have a charging cable for your device)
- Item 21: EXTRA – If possible have a sleeping bag in your back pack, a down sleeping bag is very warm and packs very small.
- Item 22: EXTRA – If possible have a lightweight tarp or hoochie tent (green in colour or camouflaged in pattern)
Below are steps recommended to prepare your Emergency Escape Plan
- Step 1: Have a predetermined communication protocol that the whole family/household is familiar with and understands the meaning. For example, a CODE RED means that everyone in the house has 2 minutes to grab their essentials and meet at the back door of the home with their bug out bag ready.
- Step 2: Have a predetermined exit preparation list of tasks. Things like turn off oven/iron/AC and any items that cannot be left unattended. Check all doors and windows are locked. Switch off lights and meet at an exit that is not exposed to the front of the home.
- Step 3: An escape path known that leads away from the home and towards an area where concealment is possible. It is generally recommended you don’t go by car, but this might be an option depending on your vehicle and location (NOTE: A GPS in a car will be tracked immediately).
- Step 4: Have a go no go observation or check in point. Travel to a known location where you can conceal yourself and gather your thoughts for next steps. Ideally this is a short distance (few kms) from the home but gives you access to more resources or the ability to communicate discretely with others. (DON’T use your phone or any COMMS devices if you’re trying to hide, leave them in the EMF pouch).