1. I live in a climate where we do not have hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, or other natural disasters. Why do I need a Bug Out Bag?
2. Why is planning so important?
3. Why is food and water not included in the Bug Out Bagz backpack packages?
4. Why do I need earplugs?
5. Q. Why are there safety glasses, work gloves, and respirators in the Bug Out Bag packages?
6. Q. Why does the amenity kit contain only 2-pill packs of medications?
7. Q. What can I do if there is not a safe water supply?
8. Q. I’ve got water. Why do I need some kind of “electrolyte replacement” drink? Why can’t I use something like Gatorade® or Powerade®?
9. Q. I have a backpack with basic emergency preparedness products. What else do I need to add?
10. Q. I have a disability. How do I need to prepare for an emergency?
11. Q. If an emergency evacuation is ordered, what do I do with my pet and what should I pack?
12. Q. Where can I find information for emergency evacuation plans or further information?
13. Q. Okay. Let’s say I do have an emergency. What do I need to do?
14. Q. Why do I need an intrinsically safe flashlight like the Pelican™ MityLite® and what does intrinsically safe mean?
Q. I live in a climate where we do not have hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, or other natural disasters. Why do I need a Bug Out Bag?
There are many circumstances in which you may suddenly have to leave your home, RV, car or workplace. You may have a family emergency situation arise: fires, neighborhood chemical spills, police emergencies, high winds, and floods are all situations of emergency concern. Your work may require you to stay away from your home for several days due to emergency preparedness and business continuity issues. Driving on a daily basis can present problems when the road or highway is closed for hours and you have nowhere to go. Four Wheelers, sand dune/ATV riders, pilots of small airplane, boaters, or other outdoor activities may require a Bug Out Bag. This will prepare you or your loved ones for any emergency situation you may encounter.
Q. Why is planning so important?
You are preparing yourself and your family the opportunity to continue with their normal life activities during the first hours or days of an emergency. The simple reality is that the better you are prepared to take care of yourself, the more ready you will be to deal with the situation you, your family, and those around you are forced to overcome.
A disaster can arrive unannounced at any time such as an earthquake or mudslide. Other situations, like hurricanes or severe storms, some advance notice is likely and you may have more time to prepare. The disaster response industry has settled on 72 hours as a suggested length of time to be prepared for. Since it takes time to organize emergency services teams and emergency equipment, you may be on your own for several days before outside help arrives. This may mean providing for your own shelter, first aid, food, water, and sanitation.
You will want to assemble necessary items ahead of time, such as extra food and water supplies as well as your own personalized Bug Out Bags. Should you live in an area where the exposure to danger is high such as a forest region, earthquake zone or flood area, your Bug Out Bag will provide those necessary items to allow you to continue your lifestyle throughout the emergency.
Always plan ahead for an emergency situation, make a list of personal, irreplaceable items. If you are in a position to evacuate or need to be ready in a hurry, you will be able to refer to the list. Remember, photo albums and personal mementoes cannot be replaced.
Learn more about the potential emergencies that could happen where you live and the appropriate way for you to respond to them.
Q. Why is food and water not included in the Bug Out Bagz backpack packages?
During an emergency it is best to have those items you enjoy eating and drinking to help reduce the stresses of the situation. We call these things “comfort food”.
With all the choices on the market for bottled water, bottled energy and electrolyte replacement drinks as well as dried or canned food and ‘Meals Ready to Eat’, we suggest that each person store the food and water you like when at all possible. It is difficult enough to find refreshment in an emergency situation without having to consume food you don't particularly care for.
Your absolute minimum goal should be a gallon (64 ounces) of water per person per day - more is required in hot climates. Packaged water designed for emergency preparedness use generally has a minimum shelf life of five years. However, it will probably be perfectly safe for some years longer. Many people prefer to use commercially bottled water, in the 12 to 20 ounce size, but you should rotate your supplies based on the expiration date on the package. These days the expiration time for commercially bottled water is often a couple of years. Water is fundamental to your body's continued health.
You don't need food to survive but many of us would feel better if we had something to replenish our energy. The amount of food you may want to pack depends on weather and work conditions. Canned beans and similar food are good staples but be sure you have a can opener. Trail-mix, nuts, food bars are good but have a minimum shelf life. Dried packaged food is another choice. Many foods of this type can be found in the grocery store. Be sure to try these food items before you need them so you will be able to choose those flavors that appeal to you or your loved ones.
MREs, short for Meals Ready to Eat, the U.S. Military field rations, are also available for use in an emergency situation. However, their taste may not always agree with your palate. Some are tasty but most of these meals are at the bottom of the popular food chain list. Their low fiber content can cause constipation for some folks, to the point of it becoming a serious and debilitating problem. In others it can cause extreme flatulence for some time. The average shelf life of the MRE is three years but will vary with storage temperature.
If you have infants or very young children, powdered formula is suggested but it requires water for proper mixing. Be sure you have an adequate water supply along with sterile or disposable bottles.
Don't forget the pets in an emergency! They need food and water too.
Q. Why do I need earplugs?
Have you ever slept in a room full of people, next to a busy road or electrical power generator, or even alongside that one person who snores so loudly you can’t sleep? Earplugs can be very helpful!
Q. Why are there safety glasses, work gloves, and respirators in the Bug Out Bag packages?
Bug Out Bagz includes OSHA-compliant safety glasses (ANSI Z-87), work gloves, and N-95 disposable respirators because many disasters necessitate this type of equipment if you’re going to return home and begin clean-up. Many people do not have immediate access to these items in a disaster and our goal is to help reduce the stresses associated with these emergency challenges.
With a Bug Out Bagz back pack package, we bring our experience to you. The basic items included in each package allow you the fun in adding your personal choices; knowing that you will have what you need when you need it.
Q. Why does the amenity kit contain only 2-pill packs of medications?
Bug Out Bagz supplies 2-pill packs of Tylenol, Imodium, Benadryl, Motrin and Pepto Bismol with the Amenity Kit. This allows you to have a small emergency supply of basic medications available at all times. The reason that these “brand names” are used rather than the generic varieties is the simple issue of peace of mind. You know what each of these products is used for.
How many times have you been someplace when someone asked for Tylenol, Benadryl or something similar? The 2-pill pack is an extremely convenient size and packed for sanitary convenience. If you feel the need to help someone else, you won’t have to open that “super size” container to dispense the pill(s); besides, where/when did you last open that container? If you carry your Bug Out Bag with you on a daily basis, you will always be prepared for any emergency. It is also convenient and easy to add your own supply of medications. Always check the expiration dates for these kinds of items. If you or your loved ones require personal medications, make sure you have an adequate supply available for use in an emergency.
Q. What can I do if there is not a safe water supply?
Water that is not safe can be filtered, treated with chlorine bleach or tablets, treated with Iodine, or boiled.
Filters have the advantage of providing immediate access to drinking water without adding an unpleasant taste. A water filter such as the Aquamira® Water Bottle (22 oz.) with Filter or the MSR MiniWorks® EX Micro filter are ideal for emergencies, camping and travel. Both remove pathogens 2 microns or larger including Giardia, Cryptosporidium, E-Coli as well as that “chlorine taste”.
The Aquamira® Water Bottle with activated carbon filter provides a safe way to enjoy clear, clean tasting water on the trail, in foreign countries or anywhere! This system includes a high quality 22 oz Nalgene® sport bottle and a replaceable filter that is good for 200 water fills.
The MSR MiniWorks® EX Micro filter has a ceramic filter. The carbon core removes unpleasant tastes and odor caused by chemicals such as iodine, chlorine and pesticides. The cartridge is reusable, can be cleaned and has a life up to 2,000 liters (or 528.3 gallons) depending on water conditions.
The base treatment of plain, unscented, liquid household chlorine bleach no more than a few months old is as follows:
- 4 drops of bleach per quart or liter of water
- 16 drops of bleach per gallon or four-liter container of water.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of bleach per five gallons of water (15 drops equals 1/4 teaspoon)
Stir the water, cover, and allow to stand for 30 minutes The water should have a slight chlorine odor. If not, repeat the dosage and allow the water to stand for an additional 15 minutes. If the treated water has too strong a chlorine taste, allow the water to stand exposed to the air for a few hours or pour it from one clean container to another several times.
Boiling water will kill most types of disease-causing organisms that may be present. If the water is cloudy, filter it through clean cloths or allow it to settle, and draw off the clear water for boiling. Boil the water for one minute, (at altitudes above one mile, boil for three minutes).let it cool, and store it in clean containers with covers. To improve the flat taste of boiled water, aerate it by pouring it back and forth from one container to another and allow it to stand for a few hours, or add a pinch of salt for each quart or liter of water boiled.
Iodine is light sensitive and must always be stored in a dark bottle. It has been shown to be more effective than chlorine-based treatments in inactivating Giardia cysts. Be aware that some people are allergic to iodine and cannot use it as a form of water purification. Persons with thyroid problems or on lithium, women over fifty, and pregnant women should consult their physician prior to using iodine for purification. Also, some people who are allergic to shellfish are also allergic to iodine. The recommendation is 5 drops per quart when the water is clear and 10 drops per quart when the water is cloudy. Even though some feel Iodine is a good water purification treatment, it has many limitations.
Also available are water purification tables, and water treatment drops. Always read the directions on the label.
Q. I’ve got water. Why do I need some kind of “electrolyte replacement” drink? Why can’t I use something like Gatorade® or Powerade®?
Water is the largest single component in the body and serves as a vehicle for electrolytes because body fluid composition is largely water. Electrolytes are those substances or compounds which, when dissolved in water, dissociate into positively and negatively charged ions. Optimum nerve reaction and muscular activity are dependent on proper exchange of these ions outside and inside cells. Electrolytes can be simple inorganic salts of potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium or complex organic molecules. These minerals are lost through perspiration or other forms of dehydration, particularly in heat stress situations. Loss of body fluid means what it says: loss of water plus its contents (electrolytes) from the body. Intake of plain water replaces part of the loss; intake of an electrolyte drink replaces fluids plus the lost simple inorganic salts. All of these minerals work together in keeping the body functioning properly.
Popular sports and other electrolyte replacement drinks are completely acceptable. Bug Out Bagz provides the Sqwincher® Lite Qwik Stik electrolyte replacement drink mix. Sqwincher® Lite contains no calories, carbohydrates, or sugar. The concern here is the growing percentage of our population that is diabetically-challenged. If you provide someone too much sugar, you’ve now traded one problem for another.
The overall goal of Bug Out Bagz is to solve your problems. We do not want to create new ones in the process. Consequently, we provide you an electrolyte replacement drink that not only tastes good, but will be effective for the greatest percentage of people, regardless of their “challenges”.
Q. I have a backpack with basic emergency preparedness products. What else do I need to add?
Personalize your Bug Out Bag to fit your needs and those of your family and pets. Here are a few suggestions:
- Your personal identification: Originals or stored copies of: driver licenses, Social Security cards, passport, employee certificates or badges
- Money (no less than $100, more is better in small bills) including a minimum of 1 roll of quarters
- Medications with Name and Dosage (copy of prescription or label is best)
- Immunization cards for children or copies of the cards
- Insurance documents, name and phone numbers of insurance agent(s) and main offices
- Phone numbers of family and friends out of area that you can depend upon in an emergency,
- Copies of deeds, titles, and professional certificates
- Inventory list of belongings (a video record could be useful),
- Spare Keys to house, cars, safety deposit box, etc.
- Extra glasses or contact lens supplies
- Credit Cards or at least photocopies – including their associated contact numbers
- Phone Company Calling Cards
- Extra change of clothes and shoes. Always keep your environment in mind. For example, if you live where is gets cold, you may want to add more stuff to keep you warm.
Tip: Retain digital copies of family photos, policies, important documents and such offsite. Place a copy with another family member, safety deposit box, etc.
Q. I have a disability. How do I need to prepare for an emergency?
The best way to cope with a disaster is to learn what challenges you may face.
Please click on the link below and discover what you need to do to prepare for a disaster for yourself or your loved ones. This booklet covers issues that people with disabilities may have to deal with during an emergency, yet is an excellent resource for anyone.
http://www.bugoutbagz.com/Disaster%20Preparedness%20for%20People%20with%20Disabilities-1.pdf
Q. If an emergency evacuation is ordered, what do I do with my pet and what should I pack?
If you must evacuate, take your pets with you if possible. However, if you are going to a public shelter, it is important to understand that animals may not be allowed inside. Plan in advance for shelter alternatives that will work for both you and your pets.
Make a back-up emergency plan in case you can't care for your animals yourself. Develop a buddy system with neighbors, friends and relatives to make sure that someone is available to care for or evacuate your pets if you are unable to do so. Be prepared to improvise and use what you have on hand to make it on your own for at least three days, maybe longer.
Assemble an animal emergency supply kit and develop a pet care buddy system:
- Pet Back Pack, Pet Carry or Tote
- Leash and Collar or Harness
- Pet Inoculations Record
- Pet Medication
- Food & Water,
- Favorite Toy
- Pet Bed or Blanket
Q. Where can I find information for emergency evacuation plans or further information?
Contact your local resources by searching on the internet or look in your phone book. Search for ‘ disaster preparedness ‘ or ‘ emergency preparedness ‘ in your county, state or city.
Q. Okay. Let’s say I do have an emergency. What do I need to do?
Your best bet is to STOP and Think.
S.T.O.P.
"S" is for STOP. Take a deep breath, sit down if possible, calm yourself and recognize that whatever has happened to get you here is past and cannot be undone. You are now in a survival emergency situation and that means.
"T" for THINK. Your most important emergency survival asset is your brain. Use it! Don't Panic! Move with deliberate care. Think first, so you have no regrets. Take no action, even a foot step, until you have thought it through. Unrecoverable mistakes and injuries, potentially deadly in a survival situation, occur when we act before we engage our brain. Then . . .
"O" is for OBSERVE. Take a look around you. Assess your situation and options. Take stock of your supplies, equipment, surroundings, your personal capabilities and, if there are any, the capabilities of your fellow emergency survivors. Are you the best equipped to lead in this new survival situation?
"P" is for PLAN. Prioritize your immediate needs and develop a plan to systematically deal with the emergency and contingencies. Then, follow your plan. Adjust your plan only as necessary to deal with changing circumstances.
No two emergencies are alike, but if you are able to STOP and Think. You’ll come out of the situation a lot better off.
The Pelican™ MityLite® has been through rigorous testing procedures to achieve the intrinsically safe rating. The idea behind this is to ensure that any sparks, flames, or hot gases are not allowed to escape from within the housing of the flashlight to trigger an explosion in the surrounding atmosphere. What this means is if you’re where there are gas vapors that can explode, turning on the flashlight will NOT cause these vapors to ignite! Consequently, we provide you a flashlight that is not only of the best quality, but will be there when you need it, regardless of the environment you may be in.