The Importance of Preparing Your Grab Bag

When facing the reality of evacuation, having a well-prepared grab bag is not a luxury but a necessity. Many factors must be considered in this crucial decision: how much stuff you can bring, the duration of your evacuation, and the critical step of prioritizing essential items. This article explores the key elements to include in your grab bag and the mindset behind effective evacuation planning.

How Much Stuff Should You Bring?

Many people, like myself, keep a grab bag packed and stored in the truck, always ready for an emergency. These items range from camping supplies and extra clothing to electronic devices. However, the real question is: how much is enough?

Let's consider a hypothetical scenario where you have only 10 minutes to leave. In this time, you would prioritize items like:

Wife and pets: Unsurprisingly, the safety and well-being of loved ones are paramount. Computers and phones: Today's digital lifestyle means that large parts of our livelihoods and identities are stored in digital form.

If you have more time, you might include:

Blankets and entertainment systems: Comfort is essential during long evacuations. Mementos: Personal items hold sentimental value and help maintain a sense of continuity in a chaotic situation.

While food might seem crucial, it’s often more practical to assume you can purchase or obtain food in a new location. Selling non-essential items could potentially buy you more food than you could physically carry. However, first-aid items are indeed valuable for emergencies.

Planning on Bugging Out: A Mindset Shift

Evacuation planning should not be seen as a temporary measure but rather as a permanent strategy. If your plan is to leave one place in favor of a safer location, you’re either not fully committed to making that safer place your home or you’re ill-equipped to handle the realities of displacement.

The key is to live in a place that provides you with the best combination of safety and resources. Focusing on a car or backpack full of supplies is a flawed strategy compared to living where you have access to essential services and amenities.

Your Grab Bag: A Practical Guide

Here’s what I keep in my grab bag, which I can grab on a moment's notice:

A well-stocked first aid kit Spare glasses A couple of pairs of socks A water filter and three quarts of water A lighter, duck tape, and paracord Powdered milk and TVP (textured vegetable protein) A few days' worth of medication and a spare phone battery An old phone that can still call 911 A phone charger A toothbrush, hand towel, and bar of soap Hand sanitizer and some zip baggies and zip ties A metal cup and rubbing alcohol Other miscellaneous items (perhaps not all recollected here)

Depending on the type and scale of the threat, your grab bag might need to include:

Food and water First aid supplies and a butane camping stove A Bluteck EB3A with car cables for power Phones and GMRS radios for communication A mapbook for navigation when cell service is down Weapons, a compass, and other survival tools

Reading accounts from those who have survived similar incidents can provide valuable insights and help you prepare more effectively for the future.