Preparing for the Unexpected: The Bug-Out Bag

In an emergency, a bug-out bag is your lifeline and can determine whether you overcome the crisis—or not.

An example of a bug out bag prepared by survival expert Creek Stewart. Courtesy of Creek Stewart

It’s the middle of the night. You wake from a deep sleep and smell smoke. When you come to, you see flames in the next room and realize your house is on fire.

This is just one of many scenarios that can happen—at any time—to anyone. You may need to act in an instant, and having a bug-out bag prepared can help you mitigate the challenges emergencies present and ensure you have what you need to survive during—and after—the emergency.

Bug-Out Bags Defined

Bug-out bags go by many different names:

• Go bag
• 72-hour bag
• Evacuation bag
• Disaster survival kit
• Emergency kit

These kits equip you with essential tools and supplies to handle a variety of emergencies and disasters. Backpacks are typically used for portability, which becomes crucial if you need to evacuate your home quickly or travel long distances on foot.