swamp_thing Posted September 5, 2005 Report Share Posted September 5, 2005 Prior to the hurricane in the gulf region I had been reading a string on TFL about what people had in their bug out bags. Of course, there were those that made fun of people even having a BOB, but I wonder what they think now? That being said, I thought it would be interesting to find out how many here have such a provision, or at least a stock of survival supplies laid in store in the event they would need them. This might be a great oppurtunity to share ideas and suggestions as to what one needs to have. Could help us all to consider things we could, should be gathering up for unforseen circumstances. A short list that I see as necessary follows: Stored water, at least a three day supply Nonperishable foods including a means to open them spare set of clothing for each member of household toiletries and hygene items some type of portable shelter, ie tarp, light tent etc. first aid kit and a two week supply of medications that one might take defense/survival weapons matches, utensils, rope What else can you think of that would be bare essentials? It should be interesting to see everyones thoughts on this. swamp thing Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fritz Posted September 5, 2005 Report Share Posted September 5, 2005 As soon as I can get mrs fritz to retrieve the complete list from her office, I'll post it. But a flashlight (maybe one of the new shake-it-and-light) and a battery radio (maybe one of the crank types). Also get a list of all your family's prescriptions to keep handy. Later, fritz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jasonthehunted Posted September 5, 2005 Report Share Posted September 5, 2005 I have nothing. Looks like that needs to change Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swamp_thing Posted September 5, 2005 Author Report Share Posted September 5, 2005 Good advice fritz. I do have the crank up radio with am,fm and three short wave bands on it. They are real neat and will play for 15 to 30 minutes on each crank up. Need to get one of those shake flash lights too. Jason, would definately be a good time to think about gathering a few essentials for if the need arises. swamp thing Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Emul8 Posted September 5, 2005 Report Share Posted September 5, 2005 swamp thing -- What I have in my BOB is essentially what you listed...I currently live in California, in the high desert...if I am not concerned with earthquakes, I am concerned with wildfires. My personal BOB has a very spare set of essentials, I have a 3600 calorie food bar, some Aqua Blox, a survival knife, a custom first aid kit that I made up of things that I KNOW I may have to use, including some basic medications such as antibiotics and pain relievers. I have this really great item that is made by Coleman, it's a 3-in-1 blanket, it can be folded into a cushion, it could be a blanket or a poncho...I guess in a pinch, it could be thrown over a rope as a shelter too. My next addition to the BOB is going to be a simple, large-ish nylon tarp, as it can be used as shelter, and it packs down small. I currently keep a .22 pistol and ammo in the bag as well. An LED flashlight, and some small incidentals that don't take up too much space...including a whole roll of toilet paper, taken off the roll and flattened. This is the bag that I will take with me on ANY trip of any distance, and that I keep near an exit of my home. My suggestions for additional items for anyone's BOB is a good pair of shoes/boots...broken in and useful in the event that you end up walking anywhere, or for a length of time. Some plastic bags in the event you have to make a solar still for water. Keep at least a dynamo, or one of those shakeable flashlights in the bag just in case you forget to check/change the batteries in your usual flashlight. As a next step up, or, if I find that I have more time to prepare for an exodus, I have a freezer full of MREs, and sealed gallon bottles of water as well as a sleeping bag, an actual tent, some small homemade cook stoves and fuel and Lexan cutlery for two people. These items are all located in or near a duffle bag that I have in my garage, and it would take mere seconds for me to collect the items...plus, my other BOB fits in the duffle bag with the extra room to spare. I am considering switching to dehydrated foods along with the MREs just as a weight saving measure. With my expanded equipment, I am considering tossing in an M44 carbine or an SKS and a few boxes of ammo. I have pack-lists made for my bags, and I do try to check them every few months to be sure that the batteries are OK, the meds haven't deteriorated significantly and that everything is up to snuff. I am sure that I am missing some things and have put in things I will never need, but at least I am trying to keep on top of the essentials. I also keep two things in mind when I am packing my BOB(s), I keep it as simple as I can, and I try to make everything in my bags serve at least a double purpose...you know, like using an SKS for a hammer...LOL! Just kidding! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Emul8 Posted September 5, 2005 Report Share Posted September 5, 2005 LOL -- see I knew I would forget something...I have a solar/dynamo radio too...it's near the duffle bag as well! Thanks fritz for the reminder of the radio...staying informed is particularly important in the event of something catastrophic! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jimro Posted September 5, 2005 Report Share Posted September 5, 2005 Well, given the geography of where I currently live, my biggest danger is earthquakes. That being said we have dry food and canned food on hand, plenty of ammo, and two well stocked first aid kits. I don't plan on "bugging out" but you guys have got me to thinking that I should prep a duffel bag full of essentials just in case we do have to evac sometime. Jimro Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TwistJG26 Posted September 5, 2005 Report Share Posted September 5, 2005 I just need to get my familyt, my dog, my bicycles and my guns 90 miles south east of my current location. Plan to move to my inlaw's farm when the S hits the fan. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Horsefly Posted September 5, 2005 Report Share Posted September 5, 2005 Swamp Thing I think is the only one to mention matches.Shelter and a fire have always been my biggest concern.If you have a tarp or something to keep you dry,and a fire for warmth,boiling water to make safe for drinking,and for a signal,you could get by fairly well for a while.When I go on my muledeer hunt on the Mexican border,I carry a butane lighter,just in case.You never know when you might break a leg and need to let folks know where you are.Those dead soto cactus will make a whale of a fire for a few minutes,and they're everywhere.Jerry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Horsefly Posted September 5, 2005 Report Share Posted September 5, 2005 Oh ya,the radio is a must,because after Katrina blowed by Biloxi,the only thing my son knew about that was going on was what my wife told him on the cell phone.He couldn't believe his house had such light damage,but a mile and a half south Biloxi was gone.Donna would tell him the casino's were blown 100's of yards inland and all the houses along the ocean drive were completely gone,and he said it must be the media making crap up,but he soon found out different.Jerry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swamprat Posted September 5, 2005 Report Share Posted September 5, 2005 Add to the list at least 2 changes of socks and some good foot powder. Your feet might end up being your only means of transportation and wet feet go bad fast! A solar blanket is good also. I plan to take my bow and ALL my arrows plus my 22, the 22 for defense and small game the bow for big. Also included is fishing line and hooks that can also be used for snares. Swamprat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Emul8 Posted September 5, 2005 Report Share Posted September 5, 2005 I am embarrassed that I didn't mention matches in my posts...but they are there in my BOBs...I actually have some of those 6 in 1 survival thingies in my kits...they are these orange, hollow-bodied whistles that have a built in compass, flint, mirror and, of course, a whistle. They came with some matches in them, but I put in some more...the waterproof kind. I wanted to get some of those massive "lifeboat" matches but haven't yet. A magnesium firestarter would be a good idea too. It'll probably never "wear out" if it's only used in the event of an emergency. As for fishing tackle, I do have a small kit of that stored in my survival knife. I also have one of those emergency reflective blankets in my first aid kit...I figured it belongs there since if someone is injured or in shock, they'll need the blanket more than anyone. Good knives are without question, one of the most basic elements of a kit. A few years back, I bought a bunch of knives off that Knife show and they are pretty decent...I still have many of them, and aside from my really good knives, I chuck a couple of the cheapies into my bags just to give a little more peace of mind. Jimro, if earthquakes are your biggest concern, then you should definitely assemble a BOB to whatever degree suits you. You may never need it, but if you do, you can be ready in moments. When the poo hits the fan, sometimes, moments are all anyone has. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swamp_thing Posted September 5, 2005 Author Report Share Posted September 5, 2005 I have taken the suggestions submitted thus far and combined them with the list that I originally posted. I apoligize if I have omitted anything. The list so far is as follows: Stored water, at least three day supply Nonperishable foods, MRE's etc. Spare set of clothing for each member of family At least two changes of socks and foot powder Good pair of shoes/boots, broken in Tolietries, hygene items, roll of toilet paper with tube removed and flattened out List of families prescriptions Portable shelter, ie tarps, light tent etc. First aid kit with antibiotics and pain relievers Two week supply of all medications that you take Defense/survival weapons Matches and disposable lighter (both) Flashlight (maybe one of the new shake up type) Battery or crank radio Survival Knife/Bayonet Coleman type three in one blanket Plastic bags to be used for solar still for water (black) 6in1 type survival kit that has whistle with built in compass, flint, mirror, matches Magnesium firestarter Fishing tackle Emergency reflective blanket Clorine bleach for purifying water 5% Shovel, preferably folding type Small tree saw and or hatchet This is of course a general list only and would need to be adjusted to fit one's own needs, but at least gives a good basis to use when compiling your personal BOB. swamp thing Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jimro Posted September 5, 2005 Report Share Posted September 5, 2005 Emul8, I was talking with my Aunt, we rent from her, and she keeps her "BOB" in the trunk of her car, LOL, I thought I was the only paranoid one. But we live in a house built at least in the 50's, probably earlier. It would take a dang big earthquake to bring it down, small single story structures "ride" the shockwaves a lot better than tall buildings. But if we ever did get "The BIG one" then all bets are off and I'll need that BOB. So, gotta put one together and store it outside the house. Jimro Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Emul8 Posted September 5, 2005 Report Share Posted September 5, 2005 Jimro -- When I travel for any significant distance, like when I drive to visit out of state relatives, or go back to Oklahoma, I keep my BOB on the floorboard of the passenger side of the vehicle...the main reason being that should I have a vehicular accident, or be run off the road somewhere, if I am somehow pinned in the vehicle, I am going to need to be able to reach my BOB in order to use the contents...they won't do me a bit of good in the trunk, which is where I used to keep the bag. I would like to hope that it's not paranoia that fuels my efforts to kit my way to survival, but a sense of self-preservation. Don't get me wrong, I don't think that I am some gift to the world, but I would hate to be a victim of something gone terribly awry if I can help it...I don't want to put a strain on any resources that would possibly be forthcoming in a catastrophy. Besides, along with being "saved" by the police, National Guard, etc., comes the likelihood of being disarmed and sort of monitored. Well, I have already seen what comes of stuff like that in New Orleans, and I couldn't expect to be protected by the National Guard 24/7...so I will just take my chances on my own. In the case of a BOB to be used for travel or to be kept in a vehicle, it might be a good idea to get a flare gun and aerial flares, like those used on boats...if one were off the road somewhere and unseen by passersby, an aerial flare could save your life. Additionally, if someone did see you go off the road and had less-than-honorable intentions such as robbery or something, an aerial flare in the face would be no bad weapon! Man, our BOBs are getting pretty humongous, aren't they? LOL! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swamprat Posted September 6, 2005 Report Share Posted September 6, 2005 Add one flat bed 4x4 to haul all this and we're ready to go! Oop's forgot the 55 gallon barrel of extra gas and the 2 spares. LOL I think it's a great list Swamprat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TwistJG26 Posted September 6, 2005 Report Share Posted September 6, 2005 I wonder how many people are reconsidering where they live. Suddenly living in a large US city is not as appealing as it was was unless of course you are one of those that likes it when the lights are off and nobody stops the looting. I have a feeling property value in suburbs, small towns and rural areas is gonna go up. I always wanted to live out in the country just to be away from neighbors but now I'd like to put a little more distance between my family and those elements of society that stuck out like sore thumbs when Katrina hit. At least my city is not that large and my neighhood is far enough away from the innercity urbanite areas that my family is probably safe. That and my neighbor and myself have enough firepower to last the 96 hours it takes FEMA to get anywhere. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AzRednek Posted September 6, 2005 Report Share Posted September 6, 2005 Good list but I would add a water filter to it. One has to be awful careful using bleach to disinfect drinking water. The bleach kills the good intestinal tract bacteria and more often than not causes diarea and stomach cramps. In order for a safe level of chlorine to disinfect the water it has to sit for hours or days. If nobody in your family is allergic to iodine and the many commercial products available I suggest an alternative disinfectant for your drinking water. Peroxide can also be used in an emergency, kills bacteria as good as bleach but not as effective against mold. If one has to flee, water with it’s weight and space is cumbersome to carry. Provided you can get gasoline to drive away you’re ok, carrying 3 days worth of water on your back with other supplies may not be possible. Bleach is still must to have on hand for bathing water, cleaning clothing and eating utensils. To save storage space you can store swimming pool chlorine, considerably stronger than bleach. I was the laughing stock of my family during the Y2K scare. I hoarded food, water, medicine, fuel etc. bought a generator. I found a lot of information on compiling a survival list from a Mormon friend. I’m not a Mormon but to give credit where credit is due, they have been preparing for long term survival for over 100 years. You wont see it on the news but Mormons are often targeted by neighbors after a disaster for their supplies. I don’t know if it still out there but found a lot of good info on LDS websites prior to Y2K. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swamp_thing Posted September 7, 2005 Author Report Share Posted September 7, 2005 Well, there has been a lot of good input on this subject and the list has grown quiet large. I would have to say that it would be necessary to fashion ones BOB according to what purpose we want it to serve. First off, it would probably be wise to have multiple bags. You could set this up so that if the option of driving existed, they could all go. If the feces hits the rotary oscilator and driving out is not an option, then the most needed bag would be the one to take. Personally I would advise two bags. As for the water, I do agree that carrying much water on foot is not going to happen for very far. The water purifier would be the ideal situation, and Iodine would be a better alternative than bleach. My reasoning for bleach was the availability of it. It is stated in the articles that I have read that the water treated with bleach needs to stand for 24 hours before use. After this time, clorine tends to burn itself out, becoming residual clorine rather than active clorine. Over clorination of course would extend this time frame. I would think that the deciding factors in what to take would have to include the area in which each of us lives, and where we would plan to have to go in the event of a given disaster. Hopefully though it has given each of us some ideas as to what we need to fashion together to help assure our safety should the need arise. Thanks to all on your thoughts and suggestions. swamp thing Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fritz Posted September 7, 2005 Report Share Posted September 7, 2005 This list of emergency essentials (and the basic fact of being prepered) is something that obviously eluded most of the residents of NO. May I just add one more thing---being prepared and knowledgeable about your vulnerability. The main thing so many ignorned in NO. fritz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tinman Posted September 7, 2005 Report Share Posted September 7, 2005 Bug out bag? Four items are all I need:(1) My favorite handgun(This will be hard to decide which one!)(2) One box of ammo for it. (3) A bottle of whiskey(for snake bites, of course. (4) one box of snakes. Then let go the dogs of war. Tinman Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swamprat Posted September 7, 2005 Report Share Posted September 7, 2005 The burn out time for chlorine is dependent on the amount of sunshine it is exposed to. A overcast or rainy day will not dispell the same as a bright day. Also where the water is stored will have the same effect. If in the shade the burn out time will change. Halozone tablets from Army surplus would be your best bet. I've drank some pretty nasty water that was treated with this and I'm still here. I would advise mixing pre-sweetend Kool-Aid into your drinking water to kill the taste. With cooking water treated this way you can leave out the Kool-Aid. Or just treat your water the way would cook chitlens,"Boil the shite out of it!" Swamprat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AzRednek Posted September 7, 2005 Report Share Posted September 7, 2005 May I just add one more thing---being prepared and knowledgeable about your vulnerability. The main thing so many ignorned in NO. fritz 3434[/snapback] So many of the evacuees have depended on the government to feed, clothe and put a roof over their head for their entire life they just assumed the government would be there with deeper pockets. Why take a free bus ride to safety knowing they could stick around and treat themselves to a shopping spree. The only lesson many have learned is the vulnerability of the government and blame Bush for everything. Look at those that still refuse to leave, they assume the governemnt will continue to drop food and water. Sorry for the rant a gunshow this coming weekend was moved out of an air conditioned building to house the evacuees. I get really ticked off seeing them on the news complaining about Bush and the handouts. They got a free plane ride to Phoenix, new clothes, a cot with blankets and pillows and free food prepared in the sport arena's kitchens. Dr's and nurses set up a free clinic in the arena and clebritys were there to greet them. They are already hitting the streets with poor me I'm from New Orleans signs and people are stopping in traffic handing them money. The news showed only one person hitting the street on foot looking for work as an auto mechanic. Many are demanding their welfare check due on the 1st of the month. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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